Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Tecnifibre Fire
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
djNEiGht
Legend
that is what i gathered from skimming through that thread
J011yroger
Talk Tennis Guru
djNEiGht
Legend
that is a common occurrence for me.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Can't one change the pallets though?
And is the frame as stiff as before?
Sure. You can. You can change the pallets on a lot of frames. But point is, that you shouldn't have to straight away, just to get a usable-enough-feeling grip shape for a larger chunk of players with these Tecnifibres, versus other brands. That is the gripe. And it's well beyond time that they fall in with literally every other brand out there. Not sure what else can be said.
I’m excited bc I like the grip shape - but also change all of my head frames to a TK82
djNEiGht
Legend
not sure if this model will have pallets or a mold
Big_Dangerous
Talk Tennis Guru
I put medical tape on the side of my T-Fight, which I think worked pretty well to get the grip more in line with other non TF rackets that I have.
Indeed. A good band-aid, for sure. But again, something that shouldn't be necessary.
All they need to do is just grab a Dunlop CX (IMHO the gold-standard that splits the difference between everyone's preferences the best of anything), copy the mold, make the tooling change once, and done. A total no-brainer at this point.
Chris Wilson
Rookie
I picked up a demo of the 305 from TW this week and I've managed to hit with it a bit alongside the Pure Drive 98 and Dunlop FX500 Tour, so I'll share my initial thoughts.
The Fire is a really interesting frame, and really different from the other two frames. The feel was the first thing I noticed. Hitting it, I immediately thought that the First must be really stiff, simply because of how the ball reacts off the strings (very little if any dwell time) -- but despite the stiffness, it felt really comfortable at the same time. (I didn't even use a dampener.) It has a lot of ready power, especially on defense, which made it launchy at times for me. (Reminded me somewhat of the Vcore 98 in that respect, if not quite as powerful; I didn't always understand why some balls would launch on me, and I suspect the Fire's dampening might just disguise the sweet spot a bit.) I couldn't decide whether the Fire had more or less power than the PD98, mostly because the ball comes off in different ways with each frame (pretty flat for the Fire, a bit more of an arc for the PD). I think my PD ball is heavier, but there is more mph pace with the Fire. The PD was definitely more user friendly in that respect, as it was both more predictable and easier to add spin with. Spin potential was there with the Fire, but you have to work for it more; it really excels with flatter balls. The Fire's launch angle is also quite a bit lower than both the Dunlop and PD. Perhaps not surprisingly, the slice was fantastic with the Fire, much better than the PD. It was also very stable. My quick comparison of the 3 frames:
Power: PD98 > Fire > FXT
Control: FXT > PD98 > Fire
Top Spin: FXT > PD98 > Fire
Slice: Fire > FXT > PD98
Flat Balls: Fire > PD98 > FXT
Volleys: FXT > Fire > PD98
Serves: Fire > PD98 > FXT
Defensive Shots: Fire* > PD98 > FXT
The 98 power category is interesting these days. Each of the frames I've used lately offer something different. This one is worth a try.
The Fire is a really interesting frame, and really different from the other two frames. The feel was the first thing I noticed. Hitting it, I immediately thought that the First must be really stiff, simply because of how the ball reacts off the strings (very little if any dwell time) -- but despite the stiffness, it felt really comfortable at the same time. (I didn't even use a dampener.) It has a lot of ready power, especially on defense, which made it launchy at times for me. (Reminded me somewhat of the Vcore 98 in that respect, if not quite as powerful; I didn't always understand why some balls would launch on me, and I suspect the Fire's dampening might just disguise the sweet spot a bit.) I couldn't decide whether the Fire had more or less power than the PD98, mostly because the ball comes off in different ways with each frame (pretty flat for the Fire, a bit more of an arc for the PD). I think my PD ball is heavier, but there is more mph pace with the Fire. The PD was definitely more user friendly in that respect, as it was both more predictable and easier to add spin with. Spin potential was there with the Fire, but you have to work for it more; it really excels with flatter balls. The Fire's launch angle is also quite a bit lower than both the Dunlop and PD. Perhaps not surprisingly, the slice was fantastic with the Fire, much better than the PD. It was also very stable. My quick comparison of the 3 frames:
Power: PD98 > Fire > FXT
Control: FXT > PD98 > Fire
Top Spin: FXT > PD98 > Fire
Slice: Fire > FXT > PD98
Flat Balls: Fire > PD98 > FXT
Volleys: FXT > Fire > PD98
Serves: Fire > PD98 > FXT
Defensive Shots: Fire* > PD98 > FXT
The 98 power category is interesting these days. Each of the frames I've used lately offer something different. This one is worth a try.
djNEiGht
Legend
saw a video and TF had on screen that the Fire is aligned with Extreme, PD, EZ. So I may switch it up with those instead
Who knows...I might as well compare it to my Ultra Tour and my BLX 6.1 and the likes. lol. It's all going to be a challenge for me.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
On paper the specs look great for the 305S:
Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 11.4oz / 323g
Balance: 12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL
Swingweight: 325
Stiffness: 66
Beam Width: 23mm / 23mm / 22.5mm
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Although I'm used to a 95 and thinner beam, that swings very easily thru the air : )
Now if only TW would use some more advanced testers in their videos (no disrespect intended) as it seems that the first two had no FH to speak of and in general three seem to be 3.5s and one 4.0.
Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 11.4oz / 323g
Balance: 12.79in / 32.49cm / 6 pts HL
Swingweight: 325
Stiffness: 66
Beam Width: 23mm / 23mm / 22.5mm
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Although I'm used to a 95 and thinner beam, that swings very easily thru the air : )
Now if only TW would use some more advanced testers in their videos (no disrespect intended) as it seems that the first two had no FH to speak of and in general three seem to be 3.5s and one 4.0.
Comes UPS. If you get the app you should be able to track it.
OEEspino
New User
I have received my racket and strings! I can’t wait! Thank you so much T dubs
OEEspino
New User
Triax Multi
stapletonj
Hall of Fame
Are we allowed to hybrid the supplied strings?
In past play tests I have always used a hybrid of my regular string which was acceptable.
OEEspino
New User
You’re allowed to set up that racket as you see fit. For me I’m putting on a full bed of Volkl Cyclone for the first 15 hours, then switch tonthe razor soft for the next 15.
OEEspino
New User
Imo i feel like it’s going to be a middle of the road in terms of comfort. It’s fairly stiff, but it has that new x damp technology. In the process of stringing mine right now, I am excited
Chris Wilson
Rookie
I really didn't have any issues at all with comfort. (Although, admittedly, I don't usually have arm issues.) It definitely "feels" stiff, but it's more how the ball feels coming off the frame than any harshness on the arm. Hitting back to back with the Pure Drive 98, for example, it felt a lot more comfortable. Seems to me that the Fire's tech works here. Mine was strung with Tecnifibre Razor Soft, for what that's worth -- I don't know much about that string but maybe it's a softer one.
djNEiGht
Legend
you can...
but if you have a string your often use and are familiar with it....use that IMO. Then you get to judge the racquet for itself and not a new string.
If time permits, I have done playtests of a new racquet starting with synthetic. It's an honest string and then I can judge the racquet. Also gives me an idea on what string and tension to do next. YMMV
I am very interested to find out how other power racquet users compare their own sticks to the Fire 300. I am a PD100 user and will be looking to compare the two on my playtest. Anyone in a similar boat?
SlapBackhands
Rookie
Got to hit for the first time with the Fire 305s today. Don't want to reveal too much yet but I think there are some areas of improvement for the next generation. The feeling on contact and the feeling as it cuts through the air is what stood out the most to myself and hitting partners today. Going to keep at it and see if this is just a one day thing or that's just how it is. Interested to see what other users have to think about it once they get out on court.
I also have PD100s to compare to as well, just the BO is my primary frame these days
OEEspino
New User
Had my first hit today!Got my racket all strung up! Volkl Cyclone 17 gauge at 52lbs! 4 hour hitting session later!
First impression of the 300: Meh
But, I was probably off rhythm because it was so darn windy tonight.
Also, idk if it's just me, but it kinda feels clunky and a bit head heavy.
So far one hand back hands, and funnily enough a buggy whip forehand were the best feeling strokes because of the head heaviness.
will have another long sesh tomorrow, hopefully it's not as windy and I can get better ball contact as well.
Got to go hit for an hour and have some first impressions. The ball does jump of this racket, easy power. It swings quick through the strike zone I was making contact on many strokes farther out than I expected. Great for flat shots on balls bouncing higher than the net just rip it thru the court. Good bite on short angle spin shots off the court. Comfortable without being mushy. I'm playing some doubles this Sat. will get a feel for how it Serves and Volleys
TheBoom
Hall of Fame
Have had mine (305S) strung up for a few days but the weather here hasn't been cooperating and neither has scheduling an indoor court. Hoping to get some hitting in this weekend to try it out.
Definitely one of the more open string patterns I've seen in a while, I'm curious to see how strings hold up.
On another note, I really appreciate the reinforced tie offs. Very nice touch from TF that I didn't know they did
Definitely one of the more open string patterns I've seen in a while, I'm curious to see how strings hold up.
On another note, I really appreciate the reinforced tie offs. Very nice touch from TF that I didn't know they did
djNEiGht
Legend
TF had those tie offs on previous generations. wish more would do that
Got a few hours in (couple of sets, 30 minutes of drilling) with the 300 this weekend. Some initial thoughts:
The feel is definitely unique. If I didn't know anything about this frame, I would guess 64-65ish RA based on the hitting feel. I'll save more detailed thoughts for my final review.
I was able to groove my forehand very quickly. Sort of reminds me of the way the ball would come off of older Pure Aero/Pure Drive frames. Spin and depth were more than adequate. That being said, the backhand was a bit trickier. I've been playing with thin beam, 340g, ~315mm strung balance racquets for the last several months, and even though the Fire's strung SW was about the same, I struggled to find much depth on the backhand during my sessions.
Volleys were (surprisingly) incredible. This was the standout to me over the first couple of hits. Volleys felt incredibly solid, stable, and just easy to execute.
Serves initially feel middle of the road. Not lacking anything in particular, but not wowing me either.
The feel is definitely unique. If I didn't know anything about this frame, I would guess 64-65ish RA based on the hitting feel. I'll save more detailed thoughts for my final review.
I was able to groove my forehand very quickly. Sort of reminds me of the way the ball would come off of older Pure Aero/Pure Drive frames. Spin and depth were more than adequate. That being said, the backhand was a bit trickier. I've been playing with thin beam, 340g, ~315mm strung balance racquets for the last several months, and even though the Fire's strung SW was about the same, I struggled to find much depth on the backhand during my sessions.
Volleys were (surprisingly) incredible. This was the standout to me over the first couple of hits. Volleys felt incredibly solid, stable, and just easy to execute.
Serves initially feel middle of the road. Not lacking anything in particular, but not wowing me either.
djNEiGht
Legend
I was really happy with the volleys. And even some nice low pick up volleys
