Tecnifibre balls?

[J011yroger]

Also chiming in (and even later to the party).

I'm about to buy a case for my winter tennis (indoor medium fast hard courts - green set). I'm a 47 year old male tennis player (EU equivalent of 5.0+) training regularly with promising juniors. This past weekend played the best tennis of my life on indoor courts and was using Technifibre Court. I hadn't heard of this ball at all but after 4 hours of play it's still going strong. It has excellent playability, feel and most importantly makes the court feel like medium pace so rallies can take place (I personally hate fast surfaces or conditions where the point ends in less than 5 shots). In a nutshell: this was a rare find and a very pleasant surprise particularly as I have had tennis elbow in the past and it can sometimes flare up when using harder balls. This was a dream ( note: there is a 15 minute break in period where the balls seem to have a low bounce but after that they really play like a dream).

I'm also going to be testing out the Technifibre Club and compare the two. For hard courts used to use Dunlop AO but their longevity of late has gone down the drain and they play too fast. According to "Tennis Guy" the Technifibre X1 are considered to be the best balls on the market but have a 40 minute break in period where they are initially superfast and hard and then they play very well. As my winter tennis is often 75 min max per session that's a non starter right off the bat!
I saw Tennis Guy's review on the Club and X1 and was just a bit scared of trying them out because he mentioned that in both cases they have a break in period of approx 45 minutes and my winter sessions are on average 75 mins per session. This being the case should I nonetheless try out the Technifibre Club before deciding what to buy? I've also heard from others on the Diadem Court Premier. Any thoughts on that ball?

Will update this reply once I've also tried the Technifibre Club. I'll be also playing my 5th hour with the Technifibre Court on Friday so will hopefully have an update early next week

PS. Also one other thing to note with the TF Court. Contrary to all other balls I've tried, after 4 hours of play (2 of those hours was with an 18 year old promising junior) the bounce was actually higher than when opened out of the can and best of all they don't fluff up while also not feeling too fast on the court. It almost defies logic.

40 minute break in period?!

After 40 minutes of high level hitting there are likely no letters left on any ball ever made.

J

 

[bt johnson]

I’ve been using Tecnifibre Court balls since I left teaching at the country club and opened my own Academy 3 years ago. Most country clubs use Wilson US Open. Some Pro Penn. Tecnifibre Court I get 4 cases every 5 or 6 weeks. The kids in my academy range from 7UTR - 12UTR… one 13 UTR. Tecnifibre Courts are the only ones that can stand the abuse.

 

[bt johnson]

40 minute break in period?!

After 40 minutes of high level hitting there are likely no letters left on any ball ever made.

J

They do take 40 minutes to settle down. Best ball ever so far.

 

[mad dog1]

I’ve been using Tecnifibre Court balls since I left teaching at the country club and opened my own Academy 3 years ago. Most country clubs use Wilson US Open. Some Pro Penn. Tecnifibre Court I get 4 cases every 5 or 6 weeks. The kids in my academy range from 7UTR - 12UTR… one 13 UTR. Tecnifibre Courts are the only ones that can stand the abuse.

The TF Court is a decent ball that offers great value. The TF X-One ball is a few levels above the Court.

 

[mad dog1]

They do take 40 minutes to settle down. Best ball ever so far.

In 40 mins of solid hitting by high level players, the felt is gone as @J011yroger said.

 

[J011yroger]

In 40 mins of solid hitting by high level players, the felt is gone as @J011yroger said.

Maybe he meant with a cart of them. Not a single can.

J

 

[tennisfit45]

I like the Courts a lot. Feel like they’re essentially us opens.

And last a lot longer (at least on medium fast indoor hard courts which I play on)

 

[tennisfit45]

In 40 mins of solid hitting by high level players, the felt is gone as @J011yroger said.

As a 5.0+ level player I need décent balls that last 3+ hours. Verdict so far on indoor medium fast hard courts. Hands down TF court (they are a "duracell" wilson US open).

I tried Tecnifibre Club and they were rubbish (after 1 hour of play they fluffed up big time).

I tried the X1 on red European clay (albeit on a hot summer's day) and they felt like bricks.

I am inclined though to try them on indoor hard courts again because watching Rotterdam and Marseille there seems to be a lot of nice hitting.

 

[Mischko]

Both Rotterdam and Marseille are now played with Head Tour XT

XOne is a bit of an old school ball, works OK for a old school heavy flexy racquet, where off centre hits are absorbed, but is a bit of a brick for modern light and stiff racquets

 

[tennisfit45]

Both Rotterdam and Marseille are now played with Head Tour XT

XOne is a bit of an old school ball, works OK for a old school heavy flexy racquet, where off centre hits are absorbed, but is a bit of a brick for modern light and stiff racquets

Thanks for pointing that out. What's your take/view on the Head Tour XT balls for indoor medium fast hard court?

I'm looking for good playability (nice ball pocketing feel) with longevity (3+ hours of play - bearing in mind I play with a lot of good level juniors).

 

[Mischko]

Dunlop ATP is easily the best ball today, and is great for all surfaces. All clay Masters are played with it, and most hard court ATP tournaments

Tour XT are the slowest, very dead, together with Dunlop AO, but you can still hit full power, they are good for that, better than AO, and if you centre it nicely you can get some ball speed, especially when fresh. They last a lot, almost as Dunlop ATP, those two are the longest lasting pro level balls today. For people who want to play with balls the second time both are OK, but slow the second session for sure.

If you play with a 300g racquet, or 305g but lowish swingweight, or don't have enough power in your swings, Tour XT might just be too dead and slow.

They take spin nicely, have a sturdy felt, not soft and fluffy, but it takes time and effort to adapt to just how slow they are. Basically if you don't have to play with them - don't. Dunlop ATP are better while being very similar.

On the old 'golden' can Head printed 'to be used on faster courts and in hot conditions', but that disappeared when they introduced the new design for the plastic can. In the summer 30+ degrees C they do play nicer, not so dead and slow, that's true

I played a lot with high level juniors, but it's impossible to play with 4 balls 3+ hours without the ball losing every single hair of wool after full 3h of hitting, and becoming totally bald and unplayable. I don't even want to play with balls that have been used for 2h already, but it happens unintentionally sometimes, and it's a very bad experience. Once the ball loses all its felt, its performance just dives completely and playing with it is a lottery, they fly all over the place

Wilson US Opens, and other balls that shed their felt, without the felt expanding (RS white, Yonex Tour), have the shortest life, 2h max, but 1.5h is already their max. They do keep their air speed though, thinner felt and less air drag compensate for lower pressure, but they lose spin and rotations, as there's less and less felt left, strings don't grab the ball as much.

Dunlop ATP with a thick felt can be used maaybe up to 3h, but there really isn't a ball usable beyond that

Now having typed all that, all these pro level balls are too dead and hard for juniors, except 15yo+ boys. They need softer balls, they don't have the swing nor swingweight to hit with dead hard balls made for Jannik Sinner

I used to buy Slazenger Wimbledons to hit with juniors, but Wilson RG All Court and Clay, Wilson Tour, Tretorn Serie+ are good, Solinco Tour and Slazengers are very soft for youngsters. Head Tour and Tf Club also maybe, although both a bit high bouncing when new. Dunlop ATP aren't that hard, so maybe if they have more power in their swings, or in hot conditions

But Tf XOne or Head Tour XT, Babolat Tour/Tour Clay orange, Head Pro, RS white, definitely not, they are too hard and too dead (AO) for the youngsters. Maybe only in 35C summer temps, when balls become softer and more lively

 

[J011yroger]

As a 5.0+ level player I need décent balls that last 3+ hours. Verdict so far on indoor medium fast hard courts. Hands down TF court (they are a "duracell" wilson US open).

I tried Tecnifibre Club and they were rubbish (after 1 hour of play they fluffed up big time).

I tried the X1 on red European clay (albeit on a hot summer's day) and they felt like bricks.

I am inclined though to try them on indoor hard courts again because watching Rotterdam and Marseille there seems to be a lot of nice hitting.

TF courts lasted the least of any balls in our teaching carts. Maybe hold up better to abuse than time.

I can't deal with the inconsistency of Penns anymore so I'm going with Wilsons this year.

J

 

[tennisfit45]

Dunlop ATP is easily the best ball today, and is great for all surfaces. All clay Masters are played with it, and most hard court ATP tournaments

Tour XT are the slowest, very dead, together with Dunlop AO, but you can still hit full power, they are good for that, better than AO, and if you centre it nicely you can get some ball speed, especially when fresh. They last a lot, almost as Dunlop ATP, those two are the longest lasting pro level balls today. For people who want to play with balls the second time both are OK, but slow the second session for sure.

If you play with a 300g racquet, or 305g but lowish swingweight, or don't have enough power in your swings, Tour XT might just be too dead and slow.

They take spin nicely, have a sturdy felt, not soft and fluffy, but it takes time and effort to adapt to just how slow they are. Basically if you don't have to play with them - don't. Dunlop ATP are better while being very similar.

On the old 'golden' can Head printed 'to be used on faster courts and in hot conditions', but that disappeared when they introduced the new design for the plastic can. In the summer 30+ degrees C they do play nicer, not so dead and slow, that's true

I played a lot with high level juniors, but it's impossible to play with 4 balls 3+ hours without the ball losing every single hair of wool after full 3h of hitting, and becoming totally bald and unplayable. I don't even want to play with balls that have been used for 2h already, but it happens unintentionally sometimes, and it's a very bad experience. Once the ball loses all its felt, its performance just dives completely and playing with it is a lottery, they fly all over the place

Wilson US Opens, and other balls that shed their felt, without the felt expanding (RS white, Yonex Tour), have the shortest life, 2h max, but 1.5h is already their max. They do keep their air speed though, thinner felt and less air drag compensate for lower pressure, but they lose spin and rotations, as there's less and less felt left, strings don't grab the ball as much.

Dunlop ATP with a thick felt can be used maaybe up to 3h, but there really isn't a ball usable beyond that

Now having typed all that, all these pro level balls are too dead and hard for juniors, except 15yo+ boys. They need softer balls, they don't have the swing nor swingweight to hit with dead hard balls made for Jannik Sinner

I used to buy Slazenger Wimbledons to hit with juniors, but Wilson RG All Court and Clay, Wilson Tour, Tretorn Serie+ are good, Solinco Tour and Slazengers are very soft for youngsters. Head Tour and Tf Club also maybe, although both a bit high bouncing when new. Dunlop ATP aren't that hard, so maybe if they have more power in their swings, or in hot conditions

But Tf XOne or Head Tour XT, Babolat Tour/Tour Clay orange, Head Pro, RS white, definitely not, they are too hard and too dead (AO) for the youngsters. Maybe only in 35C summer temps, when balls become softer and more lively

Thanks for sharing this detailed insight. If you don't mind me asking what age and level are you?

What about Dunlop Fort All Court for both indoor and red clay (I believe they are used in Madrid)?

I've heard rave reviews on this specific ball as it keeps its shape and lasts at least two 1.5 hour sessions.

Thoughts?

 

[Mischko]

I'm in my mid 40s, advanced, like hard hitting tennis, attacking style of play, racquets and strings

Fort are very old balls, from the 70s I think, made for grass and synthetic grass, soft, plush and mushy, so that they are super easy to keep in play on a quick and bumpy surface

Dunlop ATP are used in Madrid, but at combined events with Dunlop balls, where men play with Dunlop ATP, women play with Fort/Fort Clay Court/Grand Prix. Dunlop should really really develop a new ball instead of that soft ball of wool. They should make a WTA version of ATP, just very slightly livelier than ATP, it would be great for everyone basically, as ATP do need some slugging.

Fort is good for juniors (except boys 15+) as it's super soft, rec players, and slowballers of all kinds. It's basically a big ball of wool after the first 20min, awkward to play with if you're an attacking player, ideal ball for players who bunt and moonball endless balls back into court. I've seen rec tournament final matches, high level, very fit players, where every point lasts 40+ shots, played with Fort of course

 

[J011yroger]

I'm in my mid 40s, advanced, like hard hitting tennis, attacking style of play, racquets and strings

Fort are very old balls, from the 70s I think, made for grass and synthetic grass, soft, plush and mushy, so that they are super easy to keep in play on a quick and bumpy surface

Dunlop ATP are used in Madrid, but at combined events with Dunlop balls, where men play with Dunlop ATP, women play with Fort/Fort Clay Court/Grand Prix. Dunlop should really really develop a new ball instead of that soft ball of wool. They should make a WTA version of ATP, just very slightly livelier than ATP, it would be great for everyone basically, as ATP do need some slugging.

Fort is good for juniors (except boys 15+) as it's super soft, rec players, and slowballers of all kinds. It's basically a big ball of wool after the first 20min, awkward to play with if you're an attacking player, ideal ball for players who bunt and moonball endless balls back into court. I've seen rec tournament final matches, high level, very fit players, where every point lasts 40+ shots, played with Fort of course

Just got done suffering through 48 cases of Grand Prix at theindoorclub I run. Half dead out of the can add in cold and wet with a liberal amount of har tru and baby you got a stew going.

J

 

[Mischko]

Just got done suffering through 48 cases of Grand Prix at theindoorclub I run. Half dead out of the can add in cold and wet with a liberal amount of har tru and baby you got a stew going.

J

You mentioned above that you plan to switch to Wilson balls

New Wilson US Opens have been first used in Cinci 2023 and US Open 2023, were super slow - total grind, then slightly updated for US Open 2024, not so slow, USO 2024 was a great tournament, just the right rythm, good combo surface/ball. It would be interesting to find out when does Wilson plan to release them on the market, and will they replace the existing US Opens XD or will they sell them both maybe? Dunno if you can find that out somehow? And if they are introducing a new Baiardo soon?

I'd expect new US Opens to be similar to RG Clay ball, but with a flatter trajectory, RGs like loopier spinny attacking play and have soft felt that takes spin nicely. Standard US Open XD balls are the opposite, they like hard hitting flat play, and they don't take spin easily, but I like them for slower hard courts, easy to maintain higher pace. Both have that nice crunch feel when you hit them, as opposed to a dead thud of some other balls

I like Wilson balls (USO XD, RG Clay, Tour) because they have well calibrated bounce, they don't die in the service box in case of mishits and junk balls, less ankle balls with them, and they don't bounce above my head either, plus they are made for hitting in front of the body, for attacking and nice power hitting, and not upward shoveling and similar

Only downside, but not really for me, is that their felt doesn't last as long as some other balls with thicker felt, but it doesn't expand so the ball maintains its air speed over its life, which I really like. Some other balls have too much air drag after they lose some pressure, so if you play in cold and wet they become too slow

 

[tennisfit45]

You mentioned above that you plan to switch to Wilson balls

New Wilson US Opens have been first used in Cinci 2023 and US Open 2023, were super slow - total grind, then slightly updated for US Open 2024, not so slow, USO 2024 was a great tournament, just the right rythm, good combo surface/ball. It would be interesting to find out when does Wilson plan to release them on the market, and will they replace the existing US Opens XD or will they sell them both maybe? Dunno if you can find that out somehow? And if they are introducing a new Baiardo soon?

I'd expect new US Opens to be similar to RG Clay ball, but with a flatter trajectory, RGs like loopier spinny attacking play and have soft felt that takes spin nicely. Standard US Open XD balls are the opposite, they like hard hitting flat play, and they don't take spin easily, but I like them for slower hard courts, easy to maintain higher pace. Both have that nice crunch feel when you hit them, as opposed to a dead thud of some other balls

I like Wilson balls (USO XD, RG Clay, Tour) because they have well calibrated bounce, they don't die in the service box in case of mishits and junk balls, less ankle balls with them, and they don't bounce above my head either, plus they are made for hitting in front of the body, for attacking and nice power hitting, and not upward shoveling and similar

Only downside, but not really for me, is that their felt doesn't last as long as some other balls with thicker felt, but it doesn't expand so the ball maintains its air speed over its life, which I really like. Some other balls have too much air drag after they lose some pressure, so if you play in cold and wet they become too slow

Thanks for sharing this detailed insight. What are your thoughts on the speed of the courts at the Qatar open? I feel it's way too fast. Is it the surface, the balls or a combination of the two?

For instance US Open courts are slower than AO but because AO uses AO balls which tend to move through the air much slower than the Wilson US open balls, at the AO you get to see more "game" per point than the US open.

Qatar is a joke ... the point is often over in less than 5 shots.

 

[J011yroger]

Thanks for sharing this detailed insight. What are your thoughts on the speed of the courts at the Qatar open? I feel it's way too fast. Is it the surface, the balls or a combination of the two?

For instance US Open courts are slower than AO but because AO uses AO balls which tend to move through the air much slower than the Wilson US open balls, at the AO you get to see more "game" per point than the US open.

Qatar is a joke ... the point is often over in less than 5 shots.

The point is supposed to be over in under 5 shots!

J

 

[finalfantasy7]

anyone can compare with the babolat gold,

i used to love the pro penn marathons extra duty but noticed they are lighter and inconsistant since, the dunlop atp blue can has also lost some bounce and dies faster to pre 2021, i dont like the slazengers - far too light and only last for around 7 games and its lost bounce - generally are dead by mid 2nd set.

Head balls fluff up far too quickly,

AO balls has no feeling

Last time i played with the TF balls they were the fastest - so hard to return a flat serve.

 

[Mischko]

Thanks for sharing this detailed insight. What are your thoughts on the speed of the courts at the Qatar open? I feel it's way too fast. Is it the surface, the balls or a combination of the two?

For instance US Open courts are slower than AO but because AO uses AO balls which tend to move through the air much slower than the Wilson US open balls, at the AO you get to see more "game" per point than the US open.

Qatar is a joke ... the point is often over in less than 5 shots.

Speed in Qatar seems normal, not even quick, just medium, I'd say CPI 36 or so, like Miami. In desert air conditions they can't have quick courts, same thing in IW.

Ball checks up, doesn't skid at all. Dunlop ATP balls, not quick, thick felt. I watched Alcaraz Cilic and Dimitrov Lehecka, and they all returned 1st serves very normally and consistently

I really don't see what you see sorry

US Open balls used at US Open in 2023 and 2024 aren't the ones you can buy, they are new, slow, and in transparent non-marked cans

AO ball is a grinder's ball, reduces points often to 'who can outlast without UEs'

 

[tennisfit45]

Speed in Qatar seems normal, not even quick, just medium, I'd say CPI 36 or so, like Miami. In desert air conditions they can't have quick courts, same thing in IW.

Ball checks up, doesn't skid at all. Dunlop ATP balls, not quick, thick felt. I watched Alcaraz Cilic and Dimitrov Lehecka, and they all returned 1st serves very normally and consistently

I really don't see what you see sorry

US Open balls used at US Open in 2023 and 2024 aren't the ones you can buy, they are new, slow, and in transparent non-marked cans

AO ball is a grinder's ball, reduces points often to 'who can outlast without UEs'

Right. I heard a commentator say today that they were using Dunlop AO balls at Qatar. I still feel that on the eye at least the game looks much faster. I mean today Medjedovic could barely walk yet he hit through Tsitsipas blasting the ball in the last couple of games. If it was the AO open surface there was no way he could win those games and he would have probably aggravated what looked like an already serious hamstring injury further.

I can't believe for a minute that they were playing with Dunlop AO.

 

[Mischko]

Right. I heard a commentator say today that they were using Dunlop AO balls at Qatar. I still feel that on the eye at least the game looks much faster. I mean today Medjedovic could barely walk yet he hit through Tsitsipas blasting the ball in the last couple of games. If it was the AO open surface there was no way he could win those games and he would have probably aggravated what looked like an already serious hamstring injury further.

I can't believe for a minute that they were playing with Dunlop AO.

It's easy to see the print on the ball when players have them in their hands, it's ATP not AO. ATP is a super nice ball to attack, to really go for it, despite its thick felt and the fact that it's just not quick at all. It has that controlled quick contact with the strings, I love it. Best ball today easily. It's even good to blast when it loses pressure and slows down, doesn't fly or anything. Just an excellent ball overall

But AO were used before in UAE, in Dubai, don't know about last or this year though. Again, because of quick dry desert air they can't have fast courts nor balls, same issue in Indian Wells

Many commentators are ignorant about most things, especially technical stuff. They consistently speak about quick conditions at tournaments, Australia for example, Paris Masters etc, where balls are dead and slow, so the surface is slightly quicker than before to compensate. But the overall conditions are still slower than before due to slow balls, and you hear them babbling again and again about quick conditions, then again you watch Medvedev and Djokovic slowball everyone on their merry way to the final, just by putting the ball back into court. Because attacking tennis just leads to easy loss in those conditions

 

[BenC]

anyone can compare with the babolat gold,

i used to love the pro penn marathons extra duty but noticed they are lighter and inconsistant since, the dunlop atp blue can has also lost some bounce and dies faster to pre 2021, i dont like the slazengers - far too light and only last for around 7 games and its lost bounce - generally are dead by mid 2nd set.

Head balls fluff up far too quickly,

AO balls has no feeling

Last time i played with the TF balls they were the fastest - so hard to return a flat serve.

I'd say the TF Court is pretty close the Babolat Gold - the felt wears away after the first 60-90 minutes of play but the ball itself stays stiff and bouncy.

Two ends of the ball wear continuum - both were used for 2 sets each of middling 3.5 doubles. Afterward the Dunlop ATP ball felt like hitting a sponge, the TF Court felt like a racquetball.

 

[tennisfit45]

It's easy to see the print on the ball when players have them in their hands, it's ATP not AO. ATP is a super nice ball to attack, to really go for it, despite its thick felt and the fact that it's just not quick at all. It has that controlled quick contact with the strings, I love it. Best ball today easily. It's even good to blast when it loses pressure and slows down, doesn't fly or anything. Just an excellent ball overall

But AO were used before in UAE, in Dubai, don't know about last or this year though. Again, because of quick dry desert air they can't have fast courts nor balls, same issue in Indian Wells

Many commentators are ignorant about most things, especially technical stuff. They consistently speak about quick conditions at tournaments, Australia for example, Paris Masters etc, where balls are dead and slow, so the surface is slightly quicker than before to compensate. But the overall conditions are still slower than before due to slow balls, and you hear them babbling again and again about quick conditions, then again you watch Medvedev and Djokovic slowball everyone on their merry way to the final, just by putting the ball back into court. Because attacking tennis just leads to easy loss in those conditions

Thanks again. You seem to have encyclopedic knowledge on balls and court surfaces. It's impressive!

What balls would you recommend for red clay (I'll be playing on that surface from March - October)? I was contemplating Dunlop Fort or Dunlop AO but your insight would be highly valued here.

 

[Mischko]

Thanks again. You seem to have encyclopedic knowledge on balls and court surfaces. It's impressive!

What balls would you recommend for red clay (I'll be playing on that surface from March - October)? I was contemplating Dunlop Fort or Dunlop AO but your insight would be highly valued here.

Cheers, thanks

Either Dunlop ATP or Wilson RG Clay. If you're a lower intermediate then maybe Fort Clay. Absolutely not AO, one of the worst balls for clay

 

[tennisfit45]

Cheers, thanks

Either Dunlop ATP or Wilson RG Clay. If you're a lower intermediate then maybe Fort Clay. Absolutely not AO, one of the worst balls for clay

Thanks. What level are you? I'm a 47 Yr old 5.0+ level player. What about Dunlop Fort All Court for clay court tennis?

Do you remember the old Babolat RG All Court? I'm trying to rekindle that feeling on clay but could not find any ball that was quite the same. The Babolat Gold All Court came close but now it's been pretty much discontinued over here in Europe plus to be honest while taking spin really well the bounce was inordinately high witu that ball. I tried the Dunlop ATP 2 years ago and they lasted 40 mins with a good junior I was practising with before becoming like a sponge and all fluffed up meaning I had to hit the ball so much harder and the feeling was no longer there not to mention my arm became quite sore (used to have tennis elbow 15 years ago).

 

[Mischko]

Thanks. What level are you? I'm a 47 Yr old 5.0+ level player. What about Dunlop Fort All Court for clay court tennis?

Do you remember the old Babolat RG All Court? I'm trying to rekindle that feeling on clay but could not find any ball that was quite the same. The Babolat Gold All Court came close but now it's been pretty much discontinued over here in Europe plus to be honest while taking spin really well the bounce was inordinately high witu that ball. I tried the Dunlop ATP 2 years ago and they lasted 40 mins with a good junior I was practising with before becoming like a sponge and all fluffed up meaning I had to hit the ball so much harder and the feeling was no longer there not to mention my arm became quite sore (used to have tennis elbow 15 years ago).

Not sure about those level numbers, maybe also 5.0+. I play like a good coach, have hit a lot with young competitors, can hit hard consistently, bigger serves

Fort All court and Clay court are almost identical, only a very slightly different felt on the Clay court version. All court is better for grass/astro/carpet. A very lame ball for clay, you can hit it with the handle it will still go into the court, and if you want to attack you'll find it doesn't really work well, you'll keep overplaying it. If you have two good players it's easy to have 40+ shot rallies with it, as it's difficult to score a winner, and super easy to defend and keep the ball in play. It is OKish when new, but quickly becomes lame, after warm up basically, 15min maybe

After Wilson took over the RG branding in 2020, Babolat RG All court was renamed to Babolat Team, in a tin can with orange lettering. Same ball different name, it's easy to find in EU. There's a genius marketing person at Babolat, as they also have a different Babolat Team ball, in a plastic can with blue lettering, those are cheap spongy balls

Wilson RG Clay are slightly softer and livelier than ATP if those are too dead for you. Try Wilson Tour Premier maybe. But yeah, ATP are balls for hard hitting for sure. But so are Babolat Team

 

[tennisfit45]

Thanks I may try the babolat team again. I remember playing with them 8 years ago and they were incredibly light (too light) and also felt smaller when new and that feeling lasted for about 1 hour. They don't fluff up and last quite a long time. I'm thinking of also trying the TF courts on clay as I have 7 unused cans. Thoughts about the TF court for clay play?

 

[Mischko]

Thanks I may try the babolat team again. I remember playing with them 8 years ago and they were incredibly light (too light) and also felt smaller when new and that feeling lasted for about 1 hour. They don't fluff up and last quite a long time. I'm thinking of also trying the TF courts on clay as I have 7 unused cans. Thoughts about the TF court for clay play?

Never tried them. I generally only play with pro level balls, have only rarely tried cheaper balls

 

[struggle]

TF Court Ball has been very solid for me, I'm at the end of a case.

Also got some TF Champ balls. They suck in general, but are more consistent than the other cheap
balls IMO. (maybe...)

I like the X-One but don't buy it, realistically. Had a few cans via USTA League tourney gift certificates.
It's perhaps abit too plush or somesuch...

 

[tennisfit45]

Never tried them. I generally only play with pro level balls, have only rarely tried cheaper balls

Thanks again for your insight. Since you know so much about balls and court surfaces thought I'd also pick your brains about shoes.

I'm in a bit of a fix. Check out what I sent TW staff below.

"Dear TW Staff team,

I'm delighted that Asics has finally brought out the new GR X. I had bought a pair of GR9s (size 12.5 both for clay and hard court models) but they were too big so ended up not wearing them at all. I had previously tried size 12 in both versions (in-store) and the midfoot area was very uncomfortable (pressing against the outer side of my foot).
To cut a long story short I ended up going back to buying GR8 (size 12.5 clay and size 12 hard court) which was tried and tested and they did not dissappoint once again. I've now had them for about 9 months and they've got pretty worn on the outsole in particular so I want to try the GRX.

I have two questions:

- Based on the GR8 size make up described above for both models, what size should I try in the GR X?
- From the early feedback you've received so far, has the "narrowness feel" issue in the midfoot area caused by the extra and firmer DynaWall padding been fixed with the GR X?

Thanks in advance
Tennisfit45


PS. The latest comments on Talk Tennis lead me to believe that GRX are not as popular as GR9 but I really want to know how GRX compare to GR8 which is what I use currently."

To add to this perhaps I could try the Vapor Cage 4 as it has an equally as wide platform as the Asics GR X?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks

 

[Nostradamus]

40 minute break in period?!

After 40 minutes of high level hitting there are likely no letters left on any ball ever made.

J

is this gooder than the Penn marathon balls ?

 

[Mischko]

Thanks again for your insight. Since you know so much about balls and court surfaces thought I'd also pick your brains about shoes.

I'm in a bit of a fix. Check out what I sent TW staff below.

"Dear TW Staff team,

I'm delighted that Asics has finally brought out the new GR X. I had bought a pair of GR9s (size 12.5 both for clay and hard court models) but they were too big so ended up not wearing them at all. I had previously tried size 12 in both versions (in-store) and the midfoot area was very uncomfortable (pressing against the outer side of my foot).
To cut a long story short I ended up going back to buying GR8 (size 12.5 clay and size 12 hard court) which was tried and tested and they did not dissappoint once again. I've now had them for about 9 months and they've got pretty worn on the outsole in particular so I want to try the GRX.

I have two questions:

- Based on the GR8 size make up described above for both models, what size should I try in the GR X?
- From the early feedback you've received so far, has the "narrowness feel" issue in the midfoot area caused by the extra and firmer DynaWall padding been fixed with the GR X?

Thanks in advance
Tennisfit45


PS. The latest comments on Talk Tennis lead me to believe that GRX are not as popular as GR9 but I really want to know how GRX compare to GR8 which is what I use currently."

To add to this perhaps I could try the Vapor Cage 4 as it has an equally as wide platform as the Asics GR X?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks

No thoughts sorry, I've never had Gel Res. Tried them on 3-4 times but they never fit my foot

But how could TW know what foot shape you have and if a shoe will fit you..

 

[tennisfit45]

No thoughts sorry, I've never had Gel Res. Tried them on 3-4 times but they never fit my foot

But how could TW know what foot shape you have and if a shoe will fit you..

Thanks. Well I tried to give them as much context as possible so they could recommend a shoe and shoe size to match. So far the result has been inconclusive ... so the search goes on.

 

[struggle]

Just order a dozen pair of shoes, find the ones that fit ....... and return the rest.

 

[YellowFedBetter]

I only have tried Court balls, they are lightning fast in my experience, uncontrollable for the first half hour of play. But then, I’ve always hated brand new balls and not been able to control them..

That said, if most of the balls have gotten excessively heavy now (I haven’t bought enough new ones to know), it could be a good alternative.

 

[JOSHL]

There are two Dunlop ATP balls, champ and tour. Which are we talking about here?

 

[struggle]

There are two Dunlop ATP balls, champ and tour. Which are we talking about here?

Champ or championship always refers to the lower tiered ball, is seems, across the board.

 

[sajlent555]

Never tried them. I generally only play with pro level balls, have only rarely tried cheaper balls

Did you play with Artengo TB930 balls? They're now called Artengo Speed Pro ( black/red can).

For me these are the best balls for their price. Slightly softer version of TF X-One balls. They're made in the same factory as TF balls afaik.

 

[Elrico]

Did you play with Artengo TB930 balls? They're now called Artengo Speed Pro ( black/red can).

For me these are the best balls for their price. Slightly softer version of TF X-One balls. They're made in the same factory as TF balls afaik.

 

[Mischko]

Did you play with Artengo TB930 balls? They're now called Artengo Speed Pro ( black/red can).

For me these are the best balls for their price. Slightly softer version of TF X-One balls. They're made in the same factory as TF balls afaik.

I have but some 3-4 years ago, on two occasions. And I also immediately commented to the friend who brought them that they seem like XOne with a slightly cheaper felt and Decathlon branding. Just like TP Premium balls seem US Open Championship with a TP branding. So definitely not 'Premium'.

However I wouldn't call anything Decathlon 'cheap', whenever I was looking for something, tennis or other sport, all their stuff was seriously overpriced, most commonly through trash quality for the price, or a super high price for a known quality product. For example, Dunlop ATP balls, and US Opens or Head Tours, in Decathlon have/had a price about 30% higher than what I buy/bought them for, which is basically robbing the unwitting beginner

All tennis balls are made in only 3 factories. Head has their own in China, Shanghai, Dunlop (Slazenger), owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Japan, have their own in the Phillippines, and all the rest is made by Bridgestone in Thailand. So basically all balls except Head and Dunlop are made in the same factory in Thailand. Main component of tennis balls is natural rubber, which is harvested as a white milk coming from cuts in rubber tree bark, planted in SE Asia

 

[Bal]

Did you play with Artengo TB930 balls? They're now called Artengo Speed Pro ( black/red can).

For me these are the best balls for their price. Slightly softer version of TF X-One balls. They're made in the same factory as TF balls afaik.

I’ve played with both Artengo Speed Pro and Comfort Pro(Moselle Open official ball). The Speed Pro played great for about 2 sets, after which I found them a little uncontrollable. They don’t fluff up as much as the TF-X1 even though they have a 75% wool composition, and feel a bit smooth when worn and feel as if they don’t provide enough surface felt for the strings to grab the ball at that stage. The Comfort Pro are great, I’ve only played about 1.5 sets with them, they fluff up as much as the X1’s so time will tell how they fare on our UK hard asphalt courts. X1’s are my go to ball but the Comfort Pro are a close second at the moment.

 

[sajlent555]

Okay so what's the best bang for buck tennis ball for rec level? I'm a 4.0 30yo with moderate swing speed. I like fast points and I have a good first and 2nd topspin serve. I'm not a grinder, I don't moonball. When I can, I just attack for a winner. I like fast balls that are spin friendly. And they can't be boardy or hard as bricks. In winter season I play on slowish indoor hard court and indoor omni grass (artificial grass with sand). All summer on artificial grass as I have a private court 20 meters from my house.

Currently my ball of choice is Artengo Speed Pro cause it's cheap and I have a Decathlon nearby my home.

My options are Wilson RG AllCourt, Artengo Comfort Pro, Wilson USO Extra Duty, Dunlop AO, Tecnifibre Court or Club.

I don't like Head Tour, Tretorn Control+, Dunlop Fort in green can. I like Dunlop ATP (not championship) but they're expensive and hard to get.

 

[Mischko]

Wilson Tour Premier, Wilson RG All Court, Solinco Tour, and for artificial grass Slazenger Wimbledon and Hydroguard, but Wilsons and Solinco will be fine also. Solinco play very similar to Hydroguards. They aren't fast, they're all medium, Slazengers even below medium, but they all have soft felt that takes spin nicely. Wilson USO XD don't really take spin nicely, have a thinner felt, and are for flat power hitting. Dunlop ATP are great, but probably too dead and slow for your level, they need some power hitting

Haven't tried the other Decathlon ball, but I'm guessing it's a rebranded Tf Club, yellow can, bouncy, lively and quicker, not too hard ball, similar to Head Tour but worse

 

[sajlent555]

I've got a great offer for a box of 18x4 Wilson RG AllCourt so I guess I will go for them. Less than 6euro for can.

Slazenger Wimbledon are too expensive.

I saw some good opinions about Tecnifibre Court balls. Are they worth it? Price exactly the same as Wilson RG.

 

[sajlent555]

What about Babolat Gold All Court balls? One of my hitting partners always plays with them and I kinda liked them but only played twice.

Which of these is the fastest/easiest to hit winners and most durable with decent amount of felt?

- Wilson RG All Court
- Solinco Tour
- Wilson Tour Premier
- Babolat Gold All Court
- Tecnifibre Court

 

[nyta2]

The TF Court is a decent ball that offers great value. The TF X-One ball is a few levels above the Court.

have to say, that based on your & @socallefty recommendation, i tried the x-one and they are really good (all my hitting partners like them, especially the 4 ball can, and seem to last through 2h of dingles&doubles)... similar feeling to us-open
not sure which lasts longer in the hopper/cart...

 

[mad dog1]

have to say, that based on your & @socallefty recommendation, i tried the x-one and they are really good (all my hitting partners like them, especially the 4 ball can, and seem to last through 2h of dingles&doubles)... similar feeling to us-open
not sure which lasts longer in the hopper/cart...

X-one should last longer in the hopper as well since they retain pressure longer than the Court ball.

 

[Humbi_HTX]

I have gone thru a case of Babolat & TF championship balls and IMHO TF are faster and retain the bounce longer.

 

[tennisfit45]

I'm in my mid 40s, advanced, like hard hitting tennis, attacking style of play, racquets and strings

Fort are very old balls, from the 70s I think, made for grass and synthetic grass, soft, plush and mushy, so that they are super easy to keep in play on a quick and bumpy surface

Dunlop ATP are used in Madrid, but at combined events with Dunlop balls, where men play with Dunlop ATP, women play with Fort/Fort Clay Court/Grand Prix. Dunlop should really really develop a new ball instead of that soft ball of wool. They should make a WTA version of ATP, just very slightly livelier than ATP, it would be great for everyone basically, as ATP do need some slugging.

Fort is good for juniors (except boys 15+) as it's super soft, rec players, and slowballers of all kinds. It's basically a big ball of wool after the first 20min, awkward to play with if you're an attacking player, ideal ball for players who bunt and moonball endless balls back into court. I've seen rec tournament final matches, high level, very fit players, where every point lasts 40+ shots, played with Fort of course

For me this is the ideal court speed both for watching and playing. I wonder what balls they're using at Acapulco?