BillKid
Hall of Fame
Do not forget to share your thoughts!
Tecnifibre Official - Racquets
netlets
Professional
So, I played with the demo last night and again today - both with hard hitting players. My youngest son, who will be playing in college next year, and a friend that is 23 that played at Haverford and is a UTR 10 and a very big hitter and lefty. I am a 5.0 player and 55 years old. The TF 40 305 was strung with ice code and I'm pretty sure it is at 52lbs. I have been using more wide beam racquets and was currently using a TF X-1, which just got too cumbersome to swing (high swing weight) and lacked a bit of stability. It had too much power for me, but I had been used to hitting with wide beamed racquets for a long time and it felt plush initially.
I immediately could feel how much easier it was to get my racquet head through the hitting zone. The racquet was lighter but felt more stable than my TX-1. I weighed the TF40 and it is 11.4 oz strung - I didn't put an over grip on it because the grip size is a 3 and I normally use a 2. To my surprise I was able to get some nice pop on the ball and the control was far better than any racquet I have used in a long time (thinner beam I suppose). I have mostly used 100 sq. inch head sized sticks the last 15 years. I felt that I could much more easily get my racquet around on really hard hit groundies and return it with excellent pace as opposed to the TX-1 which was tougher for me to get through the ball. My running forehand was easier for me to flick cross court with this racquet. I feel like my racquet head speed was much better with this racquet. My slice felt natural and I could get the ball deep without much fuss. I also practiced hitting a few balls backing up so I could really feel the power of the racquet. I was able to get back to neutral with a high, deep topspin ball by not being afraid to generate more racquet head speed.
At net it felt stable to me - was thinking it would be much harder for me to volley with because it is smaller, lighter and less powerful than my previous racquet. It's still a bit early, but I felt pretty comfortable initially. I noticed I was getting the racquet head in front of the ball a bit too quickly because of the lesser swing weight, so I will need to adjust to that. Balls were being struck really hard at me and I could volley them back nicely with depth unless I didn't lock in my back foot and get a bit of leverage with my base.
Will report back on serve - the few I took felt good but lacked the easy power of a wide beam racquet - duh! I prefer an edgy poly, like Hyper G soft 16L or Tecnifibre 4s 16 - so I will be trying that string immediately if I buy them.
All in all I was very impressed. I still have 5 days left, so will keep using it. It has slightly less power than the TFight 300, but it's more stable and the power difference to me isn't that great. I imagine if I didn't like this stick I would be zeroing in on the TFight 300 with a bit of weight added to it. I also was going to try the TFight 315 but it was pretty far off spec - 12.2 oz strung as opposed to 11.7 and the TFight 305 is 11.75 Strung instead of 11.4.
I immediately could feel how much easier it was to get my racquet head through the hitting zone. The racquet was lighter but felt more stable than my TX-1. I weighed the TF40 and it is 11.4 oz strung - I didn't put an over grip on it because the grip size is a 3 and I normally use a 2. To my surprise I was able to get some nice pop on the ball and the control was far better than any racquet I have used in a long time (thinner beam I suppose). I have mostly used 100 sq. inch head sized sticks the last 15 years. I felt that I could much more easily get my racquet around on really hard hit groundies and return it with excellent pace as opposed to the TX-1 which was tougher for me to get through the ball. My running forehand was easier for me to flick cross court with this racquet. I feel like my racquet head speed was much better with this racquet. My slice felt natural and I could get the ball deep without much fuss. I also practiced hitting a few balls backing up so I could really feel the power of the racquet. I was able to get back to neutral with a high, deep topspin ball by not being afraid to generate more racquet head speed.
At net it felt stable to me - was thinking it would be much harder for me to volley with because it is smaller, lighter and less powerful than my previous racquet. It's still a bit early, but I felt pretty comfortable initially. I noticed I was getting the racquet head in front of the ball a bit too quickly because of the lesser swing weight, so I will need to adjust to that. Balls were being struck really hard at me and I could volley them back nicely with depth unless I didn't lock in my back foot and get a bit of leverage with my base.
Will report back on serve - the few I took felt good but lacked the easy power of a wide beam racquet - duh! I prefer an edgy poly, like Hyper G soft 16L or Tecnifibre 4s 16 - so I will be trying that string immediately if I buy them.
All in all I was very impressed. I still have 5 days left, so will keep using it. It has slightly less power than the TFight 300, but it's more stable and the power difference to me isn't that great. I imagine if I didn't like this stick I would be zeroing in on the TFight 300 with a bit of weight added to it. I also was going to try the TFight 315 but it was pretty far off spec - 12.2 oz strung as opposed to 11.7 and the TFight 305 is 11.75 Strung instead of 11.4.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Here is my take on the new TF40 16M frames.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
Hope you enjoy your tennis.
Ultimate racquet of choice - tournament players and/or coaches
Different grip shape! haha, i actually like it. I also use Head, Diadem, Angells B, Wilson in the past, Yonex too. I don't notice that much difference. Tecnifibre maybe slightly bigger.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
Hope you enjoy your tennis.
netlets
Professional
Here is my take on the new TF40 16M frames.
Ultimate racquet of choice - tournament players and/or coaches
Different grip shape! haha, i actually like it. I also use Head, Diadem, Angells B, Wilson in the past, Yonex too. I don't notice that much difference. Tecnifibre maybe slightly bigger.
Hope you enjoy your tennis.
nicely done - thanks!
netlets
Professional
Reporting back after another couple of sessions with the TF40 16x19 2022 version.
Volleys:
I really liked volleying with this racquet. My previous racquet was heavier and harder to quickly get in position. I was a bit ahead of the ball with this racquet due to weight difference, but I was able to adjust and hit solid deep volleys. I liked the feel at net and the maneuverability was really nice. I've now taken quite a few volleys with it and feel very comfortable at net. In the past when I tried the Pure Strike I didn't like it at net. It just didn't have a good feel and I got pushed around by a strong ball a bit. With this racquet, I believe the lower RA and foam injection makes it a much better racquet for volleying. I've also been using a 100 sq. inch head for the last 18 years and the 98 did not feel weird or too small. I particularly liked it when, after stretching my opponent on a ground stroke, I could run up to net and take advantage of court positioning and place a volley into the open court. I haven't played dubs with it yet but I don't think it will be too much of an adjustment. When the racquet has such good feel, everything at net is better IMO.
Serves:
It took me a bit of time to find my range. Again, the racquet's swing speed is lighter and it's less bulky than my TX-1. After taking 10 or 12 I started to gauge the power and speed of the racquet better. I felt like my serve would suffer with this racquet, but since I can swing it faster it was pretty much the same from a power standpoint. I feel like I can control placement better. My flat serve took me a bit longer to find, but once I did I felt like I could hit it with the same power. My topspin serve is my favorite serve. What I liked most about serving with this racquet is I could really snap the ball on impact better and get my kick up over the shoulders of my hitting partner when I increased my swing speed. I will need to hit quite a few more to feel completely comfortable serving with it, but I wasn't double faulting, It was more a matter of finding the box on my first serve and familiarizing myself with a lower swing speed.
All in all I really, really like this racquet and if I continue to feel good with it and hit well I am going to switch. My shoulder was sore before I started hitting with this racquet - mostly due to shoveling snow - but thankfully this racquet was great on my shoulder.
Volleys:
I really liked volleying with this racquet. My previous racquet was heavier and harder to quickly get in position. I was a bit ahead of the ball with this racquet due to weight difference, but I was able to adjust and hit solid deep volleys. I liked the feel at net and the maneuverability was really nice. I've now taken quite a few volleys with it and feel very comfortable at net. In the past when I tried the Pure Strike I didn't like it at net. It just didn't have a good feel and I got pushed around by a strong ball a bit. With this racquet, I believe the lower RA and foam injection makes it a much better racquet for volleying. I've also been using a 100 sq. inch head for the last 18 years and the 98 did not feel weird or too small. I particularly liked it when, after stretching my opponent on a ground stroke, I could run up to net and take advantage of court positioning and place a volley into the open court. I haven't played dubs with it yet but I don't think it will be too much of an adjustment. When the racquet has such good feel, everything at net is better IMO.
Serves:
It took me a bit of time to find my range. Again, the racquet's swing speed is lighter and it's less bulky than my TX-1. After taking 10 or 12 I started to gauge the power and speed of the racquet better. I felt like my serve would suffer with this racquet, but since I can swing it faster it was pretty much the same from a power standpoint. I feel like I can control placement better. My flat serve took me a bit longer to find, but once I did I felt like I could hit it with the same power. My topspin serve is my favorite serve. What I liked most about serving with this racquet is I could really snap the ball on impact better and get my kick up over the shoulders of my hitting partner when I increased my swing speed. I will need to hit quite a few more to feel completely comfortable serving with it, but I wasn't double faulting, It was more a matter of finding the box on my first serve and familiarizing myself with a lower swing speed.
All in all I really, really like this racquet and if I continue to feel good with it and hit well I am going to switch. My shoulder was sore before I started hitting with this racquet - mostly due to shoveling snow - but thankfully this racquet was great on my shoulder.
BillKid
Hall of Fame
A couple of months ago I had an opportunity to demo the TFight 305RS and it blew me away. This week end I borrowed it again from my tennis retailer and decided to share my thoughts with you guys.
It was strung with Kirschbaum pro line evolution at unknown tension. For comparison, my current racquet is a Prince Beast 98 and although it has a bit of tungsten at 12, it is still much more head light than the 305RS. For a 305g racquet, the TFight feels quite heavy as a result of the HH balance. The rectangular grip was unusual for me but I liked it especially for my OHBH semi-western grip.
On Saturday I played one set against a 4.5 and tonight I had a 2 hours practice with my tennis pal, who is a 4.5 too.
My conclusion is the same as my first demo a few months ago. That stick feels insanely solid and hits like a truck. Although it’s head heavy and SW is notoriously high, I did not find maneuverability was really an issue. Feel is pretty firm/crisp (some may say stiff) and it’s not the most comfortable racquet on earth, but at least it does not feel hollow and the dampening system (foam?) seems to play its role well. It’s just a bit harsh outside the sweetspost, but that’s also what you get with a poly string on any racquet. That said, my Beast might be slightly more comfortable overall. But after an intense 2 hours hitting session this evening, I did not feel any arm pain or anything.
Stability is incredible, it has a lot of power (a tad more than my Beast 98) but the launch angle is rather low and control is still pretty good. I was able to hit hard with confidence on my FH and my OHBH. Actually, don’t imagine that the 18x19 is just for flat hitters; I did not find difficult at all to hit loopy balls with a good amount of topspin, although my strokes were naturally a tad flatter than with my Beast 98 (which has a 16x20 pattern significantly more open in the middle).
I found that slice potential could be insane although my slice backhand is not great in general and usually tends to be floaty.
Serve was OK, nothing really special on that side. For volleys, it was pretty solid but I would say that feel/pocketing was a bit lacking in that department.
Overall, I like this racquet very much (even the grip shape) and it will likely be my next racquet. I try to refrain my racquetholism and I will probably wait until the next update.
TLDR: The TFight 305RS has a firm but not particularly uncomfortable feel. The racquet is pretty head heavy in stock and has a rectangular grip. There is no trap door. It’s insanely solid and stable and hits like a truck not without control and great precision. There is absolutely no problem with finding topspin and it shines in the slice department.
BTW I also hit with the Head Extreme Tour. This one felt somewhat light and underpowered in comparison with the TFight. Sometimes it felt a bit hollow and overall I was not amazed. I have no doubt it’s the kind of frame that can do everything well and could please a lot of players, but for me it was inferior to the TFight in all aspects except maneuverability. I suspect it would play better for me with some weight in the hoop.
It was strung with Kirschbaum pro line evolution at unknown tension. For comparison, my current racquet is a Prince Beast 98 and although it has a bit of tungsten at 12, it is still much more head light than the 305RS. For a 305g racquet, the TFight feels quite heavy as a result of the HH balance. The rectangular grip was unusual for me but I liked it especially for my OHBH semi-western grip.
On Saturday I played one set against a 4.5 and tonight I had a 2 hours practice with my tennis pal, who is a 4.5 too.
My conclusion is the same as my first demo a few months ago. That stick feels insanely solid and hits like a truck. Although it’s head heavy and SW is notoriously high, I did not find maneuverability was really an issue. Feel is pretty firm/crisp (some may say stiff) and it’s not the most comfortable racquet on earth, but at least it does not feel hollow and the dampening system (foam?) seems to play its role well. It’s just a bit harsh outside the sweetspost, but that’s also what you get with a poly string on any racquet. That said, my Beast might be slightly more comfortable overall. But after an intense 2 hours hitting session this evening, I did not feel any arm pain or anything.
Stability is incredible, it has a lot of power (a tad more than my Beast 98) but the launch angle is rather low and control is still pretty good. I was able to hit hard with confidence on my FH and my OHBH. Actually, don’t imagine that the 18x19 is just for flat hitters; I did not find difficult at all to hit loopy balls with a good amount of topspin, although my strokes were naturally a tad flatter than with my Beast 98 (which has a 16x20 pattern significantly more open in the middle).
I found that slice potential could be insane although my slice backhand is not great in general and usually tends to be floaty.
Serve was OK, nothing really special on that side. For volleys, it was pretty solid but I would say that feel/pocketing was a bit lacking in that department.
Overall, I like this racquet very much (even the grip shape) and it will likely be my next racquet. I try to refrain my racquetholism and I will probably wait until the next update.
TLDR: The TFight 305RS has a firm but not particularly uncomfortable feel. The racquet is pretty head heavy in stock and has a rectangular grip. There is no trap door. It’s insanely solid and stable and hits like a truck not without control and great precision. There is absolutely no problem with finding topspin and it shines in the slice department.
BTW I also hit with the Head Extreme Tour. This one felt somewhat light and underpowered in comparison with the TFight. Sometimes it felt a bit hollow and overall I was not amazed. I have no doubt it’s the kind of frame that can do everything well and could please a lot of players, but for me it was inferior to the TFight in all aspects except maneuverability. I suspect it would play better for me with some weight in the hoop.
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Songs For A Dead Pilot
Semi-Pro
Just got Tf40 16x19 (2022) along with T-Fight RS305 from TWE.
BillKid
Hall of Fame
I am looking forward to hearing from you about the TF40 vs TF305RS comparison.
My local tennis shop told me they would not have the TF40. The retailer told me Tecnifibre racquets were a very small niche here in Montreal. Too bad
netlets
Professional
I am looking forward to hearing from you about the TF40 vs TF305RS comparison.
My local tennis shop told me they would not have the TF40. The retailer told me Tecnifibre racquets were a very small niche here in Montreal. Too bad
I think they're not too in tune with what is happening in the tennis world. Medvedev and Swiatek will bring notoriety to Tecnifibre's racquets, the same way that Moya and Roddick did for Babolat when they introduced racquets. And then everyone will want them. Both could win a Slam this week.
bertrevert
Legend
Medvedev's slam win last year (USOpen over Djoko) surely put TF up there too.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
Do you mean rs305 18x19 or rs300 16x19 ?
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Do you mean rs305 18x19 or rs300 16x19 ?
You are right! i got them mixed up LOL
considering don't like tight string pattern then the RS 300 16x19 which is obviously a little lighter.
Rhys Cole
New User
First post in this thread - hello everyone
I've been playing with the V7 Blade 18/20 for just under two years now - overall I have positive thoughts for this racket, but unfortunately, the SW came in significantly over spec. I was able to make this work as it improved my fitness and the plough through was insane, but I am now having a hard time manoeuvring this racket against harder/faster hitters, with my technique suffering.
I demoed the TF40 305 18/20 in March 2020 and it was a very close runner up to the blade (with there being a lot of times where I wish I'd gone with the TF305). My main memory of this racket was how manoeuvrable it felt and that it gave me the effortless 'extension of my arm' feeling. It doesn't quite have the same fullness/satisfaction as the blade, but for performance, I would argue it comes on top.
I'm considering buying 2 rackets of the following:
TF40 (305) 18/20 - Previous model: https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Tecnifibre_TF40_305_Racket/descpageRCTECNIH-TF4005-EN.html
TF40 (305) 16/19 - New model: https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe...._16x19_Racket/descpageRCTECNIH-TF3056-EN.html
TF40 (305) 18/20 - New model: https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe...._18x20_Racket/descpageRCTECNIH-TF3058-EN.html
Can anyone shed some light after having played with these newer models?
I really loved the 18/20 previous model...so the less risky choice is for me to get a matched pair of those. Equally, one would presume Technifibre has built on the success of the previous model in the new ones? Any help would be massively appreciated. Cheers from the UK.
I've been playing with the V7 Blade 18/20 for just under two years now - overall I have positive thoughts for this racket, but unfortunately, the SW came in significantly over spec. I was able to make this work as it improved my fitness and the plough through was insane, but I am now having a hard time manoeuvring this racket against harder/faster hitters, with my technique suffering.
I demoed the TF40 305 18/20 in March 2020 and it was a very close runner up to the blade (with there being a lot of times where I wish I'd gone with the TF305). My main memory of this racket was how manoeuvrable it felt and that it gave me the effortless 'extension of my arm' feeling. It doesn't quite have the same fullness/satisfaction as the blade, but for performance, I would argue it comes on top.
I'm considering buying 2 rackets of the following:
TF40 (305) 18/20 - Previous model: https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Tecnifibre_TF40_305_Racket/descpageRCTECNIH-TF4005-EN.html
TF40 (305) 16/19 - New model: https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe...._16x19_Racket/descpageRCTECNIH-TF3056-EN.html
TF40 (305) 18/20 - New model: https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe...._18x20_Racket/descpageRCTECNIH-TF3058-EN.html
Can anyone shed some light after having played with these newer models?
I really loved the 18/20 previous model...so the less risky choice is for me to get a matched pair of those. Equally, one would presume Technifibre has built on the success of the previous model in the new ones? Any help would be massively appreciated. Cheers from the UK.
The TF300 RS has a more open string pattern that is more consistent with previous 16x19s from TF. the TF40 16x19 is quite dense for that pattern. i preferred the TF40 16x19 pattern compared to the TF300 pattern even though i dislike 18x20s although several people have mentioned it was too low for their liking
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thanks!
If i got it right you said that the TF40 305 has a more tighter 16x19 string pattern than the TF300 RS 16x19.......it that right? What is, if you know, the one that has more power?
correct. im not a fan of looking at the "8 mains in the throat" to determine tightness of the 16x19 pattern since it really depends on the shape of the hoop, but in this case, it holds true and the TF40 is definitely denser.
in my experience, the TF300 has more power, but it's worth mentioning that the TF40 305 16x19 is definitely not lacking in power. both are different enough that warrant individual demos imo, although if you lean toward the tweener type frames, i'd imagine you'd like the TF300 more and the TF40 for blade 18x20 and ezone 98 users
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thanks!
I might be switching racquet due to shoulder issue/injury assuming that my injury is being caused by my actual racquets DR98. If the TF40 305 has a very similar thigh string patter as the DR 98 and same power level it could work fine.
As well if the TF300 RS has same power or more than the DR 98 and a more open 16x19 string pattern would work even better.
Yes as you said to determine which racquet feels better it would require a demo for sure when i will feel better. Now i'm trying to focus on which racquets i would want to move if i really have to switch from the DR.
Doublebounce
Professional
I think you’ll like the RS 300. I switched from the ezone 98 because i was looking for a bit more free power, easier playability, and access to spin and that’s exactly what i got. Added a few grams at 3 and 9 and it’s perfect
what is it about the DR98 that's causing the issues? the DR isn't stiff on paper, but i do feel like all ezone rackets play firmer than the numbers indicate. i'm not sure i'd recommend the TF300 if you're having shoulder issues though. it's quite plush in the sweetspot and does a good job of hiding the stiffness, but it's jarring outside of it where you feel the stiffness, so that may not help your shoulder. the TF40 is similar in this fashion of being jarring outside the sweetspot, but the lower RA definitely helps here. if you had to pick one, i'd suggest the TF40 to try, but it may not have enough juice compared to the DR98. compared to the DR98, the TF40 has a slightly lower trajectory but the TF300 has a way higher one and the TF40 will probably have a tad less power and the TF300 has a bit more.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure it's the DR98 causing the issue here, but i would not know what else it would have caused it unless a mix of the racquet and workout exercises....i'll know in a couple of weeks hopefully but it's not the rotator cuff.
Thanks for the detailed info, as you describe it i would go with the TF300 for the little more extra power, but i think i would really need to demo both. Hopefully i can do that soon.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thanks, that's good to know, i like the little extra power!!
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
RS300
These are specs with the plastic wrap which weights 1,9gr exactly. The one i liked and did my playtest is number 1. I don’t know why it played sooo good with such low SW…..the obvious pick for me should be number 3 but I couldn’t do many things with it if i wanted to add lead. So i choose number 5 which is exactly like number 1 but just closer to 300gr. So my mods with lead at 10/2 are:
Before:297,3 / 275SW / 31.1
After:300 / 283SW / 31.6
Official: 300 / 285-290SW / 32
These are specs with the plastic wrap which weights 1,9gr exactly. The one i liked and did my playtest is number 1. I don’t know why it played sooo good with such low SW…..the obvious pick for me should be number 3 but I couldn’t do many things with it if i wanted to add lead. So i choose number 5 which is exactly like number 1 but just closer to 300gr. So my mods with lead at 10/2 are:
Before:297,3 / 275SW / 31.1
After:300 / 283SW / 31.6
Official: 300 / 285-290SW / 32
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
You can see that QC is lousy... if the specs are what they hope to get... I can tell you mine 3 of 4 were also off by 10 kilos in SW... and is very tricki this frame on weight positions veeeery...RS300
These are specs with the plastic wrap which weights 1,9gr exactly. The one i liked and did my playtest is number 1. I don’t know why it played sooo good with such low SW…..the obvious pick for me should be number 3 but I couldn’t do many things with it if i wanted to add lead. So i choose number 5 which is exactly like number 1 but just closer to 300gr. So my mods with lead at 10/2 are:
Before:297,3 / 275SW / 31.1
After:300 / 283SW / 31.6
Official: 300 / 285-290SW / 32
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Fantastic, if you can play like that... and without getting it to your preferred set up, I think you found a great weapon. Nothing that you describe of the racket behaviour I disagree.
You can easily improve it another 15% with your ideal set up i.e. strings and tensions... for more power or spin.
And yes the TF40's are vey gentle on your arm/shoulder... no exceptions.
netlets
Professional
Yes! I have now switched to this racquet and found a set up I'm liking a lot. Razor Code at 45lbs - 17g. I was surprised at the feel and pop of razor code, but even more the fact that I could get the ball to kick so high with a round co-poly. To me, it has the feel of Iso Speed Cream, but with almost the spin of an edgy poly. I would say it's more durable than IsoSpeed Cream as well. I'm using the white version - looks amazing in the racquet and I've gotten quite a few compliments on the overall look of the racquet.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
The 18M original is just as good..., unless the 2022 graphics are more to your taste, they ARE very distinctive.
RS300
These are specs with the plastic wrap which weights 1,9gr exactly. The one i liked and did my playtest is number 1. I don’t know why it played sooo good with such low SW…..the obvious pick for me should be number 3 but I couldn’t do many things with it if i wanted to add lead. So i choose number 5 which is exactly like number 1 but just closer to 300gr. So my mods with lead at 10/2 are:
Before:297,3 / 275SW / 31.1
After:300 / 283SW / 31.6
Official: 300 / 285-290SW / 32
Some of numbers in your writings, that look like sperms, are actually "2" or "9", depending on their tails, right?
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Obv 2Some of numbers in your writings, that look like sperms, are actually "2" or "9", depending on their tails, right?
Obv 2
wait, there is also "g"
I asked my local (Singapore) Tecnifibre distributor to source a new TF40 315 16x19 in L4 about two months ago since most places only carry L2/3 here. Was only told yesterday that TF France just updated recently that no more stock of L4 is available for its distributor. Wish that could’ve been communicated earlier and L4 is definitely in stock on TW.
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BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
After chacking Tec’s french website I realized they do have a 315 18x20. Why it’s not available on TW US idk….
BallBasher247
Semi-Pro
Get the ‘19. Pretty much the same as the ‘22 paintjob aside.
Byon
New User
I recently got my hands on an XTC 315 Ltd 18x20 (2018 version?). Although I am a long time Prince racquet user, I found the feel of the XTC 315 Ltd is so wonderful. The feel is more than being plush which Prince racquets are known for. The sweet spot seems to be smaller than my older version of the 93p 18x20 or TT 100P, but the XTC Ltd has this unique jelly like feel when hitting the sweet spot. The beam feels solid when exchanging heavy strokes. I strung it with the Kirshbaum Black Shark 17G at 52 lb. To those who have used both the xtc 315 Ltd 18x20 and the TF40 18x20 2019 version, can I expect the same feel from the TF40 or do they feel different?
netlets
Professional
Aside from the option to get a 16x19 string pattern that gives a bit more pop and higher launch angle and the throat that goes through the air quicker.
netlets
Professional
What type of player are you? Do you like the 16x19 string pattern or a more dense, 18x20? If you like to hit spin and higher launch angles (modern game), you have that option now - also a little more pop. I like the connected feel of the racquet. It excels in control and if you want good power you just need to take a bigger cut at the ball. I've had it for a month and a half now - learning how to use it still as I tweaked my shoulder shoveling snow/ice (doh!). I string it with razor code at 45lbs and get really good spin and feel. I think it's a very nice stick at the net too. To me, it comes down to whether or not you want to generate your own pace and are looking for a connected stick with good feel, or do you need a bit of free power from the racquet. I'm trying to figure that out for myself as I have most recently used racquets that give a good bit of free power and lacked control. I like the switch up as I think those racquets held me back a bit. I'm a 5.0 tournament player and play in the 55s in national and regional events. I have a semi-western fh and 2 handed bh. (I always think playing style is important when people talk about racquets)
Tks for the reply.
I am an aggressive baseliner. Just got back into playing after a ~20-year hiatus. Still ways to go regarding fitness, but I'm able to generate power with my FH. The backhand is an issue, as I basically had no idea on how to hit it after that long time. It "is" a 2HBH.
I'm currently playing with a Pure Drive Swirly (16x19, from 1999). Before that I played with a Slazenger racquet. Have no idea about model. Back then we never cared about racquet specs, we just played, so I think I never actually played with an 18x20 stick (unless the PS 6.0 95 is 18x20). I ended up buying the TF40 2019. Will receive them next week. Just signed up for a tournament that will happen in the next 2 weekends (signed up for two different classes, 2nd Class and +35B - we don't have ratings systems in Brazil), so I'll probably make the switch after the tournament.
Here are some points from a match I played yesterday (and got beat, 61 61 - I'm in black). Working on ramping up playing volume, ramping down belly size and yes, trying to work on correcting my technique. Yes, I hit 3 Home Runs!
AceyMan
Professional
I like them both but they feel different.
Part of it may be the mass in the hoop of the XTC Ltd, it's just a sledgehammer. I haven't added any lead to my TF40 which might bring them closer in feel, but I like the specs of my TFs now and don't have a need to change.
the TF40 feels like a lighter/thinner layup but the foam fill makes it quite solid. That being said, the XTC is just next level when it comes to stability.
Pure power is probably to the TF40, but nothing that a half kilo change of tension wouldn't equalize.
HTH,
/Acey
Byon
New User
Got it. That is helpful to know. I lead up my racquets to about 360 grams with 6 to 8 HL points. It sounds like the TF40 is more powerful than the XTC ltd. I do not need or what a racquet that gives a higher power. Did you experience any difference in feel when you hit the sweetspots of the two racquets?
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
No the feeling IS different. I share your results with the XTC 315 Ltd 18x20, I have one that I had compared extensively to the TF40. The TF40 is more clunky... doesn't have that sweetness of the former and is muted feeling. Having said that, I still have my DC315 Ltd 16x19 as my favorite frames once customized. I have extensively tried and have the RS300..crisper, more power, large sweetspot, less ball ability if you have the strokes but more hollow feeling.
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Byon
New User
Thanks. It is unfortunate to me that the feel is different between the two.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure if the info you are getting is correct. You were asking about the TF XTC TFight 315 Ltd (18x20) rather than the other XTC TFight models inn the range (which are thicker beamed, more HH balanced, Blade 98 type of racquets with a 18x19 and 16x19 string pattern)... right? The TFight 315 Ltd 18x20, which from memory is Tecnifibre's version of a Head Prestige, is a lower SW, more HL balance, lower power, and is basically a platform racquet - at least from my recollection. I have the 2013 version which is the Tour Prepared iteration which was plusher.
The TF40 18x20 came in two weights, if I'm not mistaken, and you didn't specify which weight you were asking about (the 305g or 315g). In the first iteration of the TF40, there was a difference inn the layup of the two different weights (as well as the balance and SW differences). This is something to keep in mind. The TF40 is also a thicker beamed frame in comparison to the 20mm (or 21mm) XTC 315 Ltd. There seems to be a consensus that the 305g version of the TF40 plays much nicer and seems to be a better option whether keeping the more HH balance, or altering it into a more HL configuration by adding weight in the handle).
I would say that they are different frames. The TF40 is more of a Blade 98/ Solinco Whiteout/ Babolat Pure Strike type of frame (higher SW and TW frames with a moderate thickness of frame, 98 head size)... and the 315 Limited versions are more like a Head Prestige variety (lower mass, lower SW, lower TW, platform frames, with a thinner 20-21mm beam, more HL balance).
I modified my Tecnifibre ATP TFight 315 Limited (18x20) with weight in the head and handle. Once the mods have been made, the strung specs are around 360g, the SW has increased to the 330-340 range, and the TW and size of sweet spot has increased (making it more stable and able to handle anything thrown at it).
I hope I understood correctly, and that what I have written has been helpful.
Byon
New User
Yes, I meant the XTC TFight 315 Ltd (18x20). Thank you for your detailed explanation and confirming that the TF40 has different feel in general. Your 315 Ltd specs seem to be very similar to my setting. I have been owning or trying numerous racquets from different brands and lines, but the recently found feel of the XTC Tfight 315 Ltd has been eye-opening.
AceyMan
Professional
tangent, but germane to this conversation ...
is my armchair hypothesis that there are two classes of RA stiffness, viz.,
stiffness that comes from the mold (cross section shape, beam width., etc.)
vs
stiffness that comes from the layup & composition (graphite type, layering, etc.)
If I'm right (which occasionally happens) then if two different model frames differ in either of those aspects, you can't necessarily conclude that "it'd be perfect if it had a +1 mm beam" or "a lighter layup would make it just like <some beloved vintage frame> / like the other frame in the lineup, but better", etc.
The Gravity Pro vs Tour or the Yonex Vcore Pro 100 (2021 vs prior model) are examples of what I'm talking about.
just another ponderable to put out there for the TTW hive mind
/Acey
is my armchair hypothesis that there are two classes of RA stiffness, viz.,
stiffness that comes from the mold (cross section shape, beam width., etc.)
vs
stiffness that comes from the layup & composition (graphite type, layering, etc.)
If I'm right (which occasionally happens
) then if two different model frames differ in either of those aspects, you can't necessarily conclude that "it'd be perfect if it had a +1 mm beam" or "a lighter layup would make it just like <some beloved vintage frame> / like the other frame in the lineup, but better", etc.The Gravity Pro vs Tour or the Yonex Vcore Pro 100 (2021 vs prior model) are examples of what I'm talking about.
just another ponderable to put out there for the TTW hive mind
/Acey
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Another big question is: Stiffness where ? distribution of it is just as important...tangent, but germane to this conversation ...
is my armchair hypothesis that there are two classes of RA stiffness, viz.,
stiffness that comes from the mold (cross section shape, beam width., etc.)
vs
stiffness that comes from the layup & composition (graphite type, layering, etc.)
If I'm right (which occasionally happens
The Gravity Pro vs Tour or the Yonex Vcore Pro 100 (2021 vs prior model) are examples of what I'm talking about.
just another ponderable to put out there for the TTW hive mind
/Acey
Rackets are very complicated items. IMO.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
DJ, besides Gut, you can try hybrid IceCode/4S M (@20-22) and Tecni NRG2/Multifeel X (@22-24) to get more controllable power. If you choose 4S you will get little more spin.
My 2 cents... but you don't owe me anything
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
DJ, besides Gut, you can try hybrid IceCode/4S M (@20-22) and Tecni Multifeel X (@22-24) to get more controllable power. If you choose 4S you will get little more spin.
My 2 cents... but you don't owe me anything
I thought that ice code and red code are more powerful than 4S… ? Sorry for my ignorance but 4S M is ?
