Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Tecnifibre TFight 295/300/305
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jangotango
Semi-Pro
Looks a little different... than the last/current XTC305. I can't remember if Tec said that these were new molds, same specs? Or just different pj?My TFight 305 came in yesterday, took it to get it strung up today and hit with it during a 2.5 hour hitting session. First impressions are that this stick reminds me of the Pure Strike (P17) that I also had the honor of playtesting. I strung it with the 17g Ice Code at 53 lbs. It's a "live" racquet with fairly good feel. Lower powered (compared to my '18 Pure Drive Plus). But so far enjoyed cracking serves and hitting volleys with it. Groundstrokes are controlled but I'm lacking the easy power I'm used to accessing via the Pure Drive. More to come...
Here's some pics...
pabletion
Hall of Fame
My TFight 305 came in yesterday, took it to get it strung up today and hit with it during a 2.5 hour hitting session. First impressions are that this stick reminds me of the Pure Strike (P17) that I also had the honor of playtesting. I strung it with the 17g Ice Code at 53 lbs. It's a "live" racquet with fairly good feel. Lower powered (compared to my '18 Pure Drive Plus). But so far enjoyed cracking serves and hitting volleys with it. Groundstrokes are controlled but I'm lacking the easy power I'm used to accessing via the Pure Drive. More to come...
Here's some pics...
Great pics! Can I use some on my Insta?
pabletion
Hall of Fame
It is a new mold, new cross section, rs geometey: part oval part "straight-cornered" sections (kinda like an "r", thus the name.
Supposed to be more powerful than the XTC with even better feel.
Looks like a GREAT upgrade.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
I was stunned by the control and comfort given the remarkable power on tap!! [emoji471]
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There is a brief write up about the new T Fight in the latest Tennis Magazine. They say it’s a new “R” shaped beam. So it sounds like a new mold.
Luke.ferra
New User
Release date?
Devil_dog
Hall of Fame
Played about 6 hours with the TF305 so far this weekend. I'll have the more thorough review after some additional hitting time.
The TF305 is currently strung with Ice Code 17 but next week I'll probably string it up with X-1 bi-phase 16 and then after that I will string it up with my go to string: Volkl Cyclone Tour 17.
But here's my quick take so far:
Hits: Stable, plush and very control-oriented stick. Especially for volleying. Great feel, too.
Misses: I want more pop (compared to my Pure Drive plus) on groundstrokes, frustratingly lower launch angle, harder to generate spin and stick can be jarring on off-center shots.
The TF305 is currently strung with Ice Code 17 but next week I'll probably string it up with X-1 bi-phase 16 and then after that I will string it up with my go to string: Volkl Cyclone Tour 17.
But here's my quick take so far:
Hits: Stable, plush and very control-oriented stick. Especially for volleying. Great feel, too.
Misses: I want more pop (compared to my Pure Drive plus) on groundstrokes, frustratingly lower launch angle, harder to generate spin and stick can be jarring on off-center shots.
Seems like the VCT will be the big decider for some of the misses you mentioned. My experience with Ice Code was that it wasn't especially the spinniest string and was either average or above-average in most areas with no particular standout features except playability duration.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
Try Razor Code 16 in the 295 @ 55#
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Devil_dog
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the feedback on the string. This is the first time I’ve used it. I’m also going to string the TF305 with X1 and later with Volkl which I think will regain some of the pop and spin.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
What you report has to do with ice code. Lack of spin, one of the most muted strings out there (literally no feel) and for some it’s stiff without playing harsh on contact. It’s designed for maximum durability and control. This string can take the life out of a racquet. I also cut it yesterday and i will strung my 300 version with Yonex strike which plays like Alu power..... i suggest everyone to ditch ice code on their demos.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
how can a lack of power, spin, and launch angle be solely attributed to strings when the comparison is to a PD+?
Devil_dog
Hall of Fame
Appreciate the info on the string. I will eventually change it and put in X1 that was also supplied. Then I will string it up with my choice of string: Volkl Cyclone Tour. I think both these strings will add some power to the racquet. And VCT should enable some more spin, too.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Maybe your are quoting the wrong person. Ice code is pretty powerful and i didn’t even make a comment about power level. I mainly speak about feel..... it’s so muted that you literally don’t feel anything.
I agree with this assessment, which is also true when compared to Cyclone Tour which was the point of comparison for strings. Going from Ice Code to VCT will definitely increase the spin potential and possibly launch angle, maybe not to the level of a PD+ or even a standard PD, but no doubt it will help compared to Ice Code. I'm decently familiar with Ice Code as well and it's worked great on certain racquets, but I'm still debating if I want to just go straight to RPM Blast on this TFight. But I'm also curious to see how the Ice Code plays on this racquet for myself.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
In every racquet i used ice code I always felt like I was playing with a racquet named iced code not any specific racquet. They all had almost the same muted ice cold feel. Another problem with that string is that it plays plush and soft and you don’t feel it’s stiffness.... those with elbow issues beware. Cyclone tour is one of the best strings out there in terms of feel. Too bad that it lasts a few hours before it becomes a slingshot.... the weird thing is that it becomes durable when i put it on Babolat racquets lol.
I used Ice Code as my string of choice when I played with the 14x18 Prince 93P which was great because I could get the pop and control to temper the spin and launch angle from the super open pattern while getting that plushness. I could kind of see it working out for the 300, which is what I'll be getting for the playtest, but I have another day to think about it, haha.
You're very patient. The 300 is an open string pattern. I lay it over my SG 10 and it's a 1/2 inch wider all around. I think it has a fairly low launch angle, great control and good power. With "power" racquets I find my self holding back worrying where the shot going to land. With the 300 I have no fear of over hit but get full response from my effort.
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
New paint for those interested:
fl4tsc
Rookie
Just received my 305 today. Really love the minimalist design of the prototype paint-job. What's interesting to me is the asymmetry at the bottom of the throat. I assume that's just an aesthetic thing, but maybe @Tecnifibre Official can chime in.
Weighed in at 305.5g and 6pt HL so right on spec.
Just strung it up with Volkl Cyclone at 46/44 lbs and put the included overgrip on which brought the weight to 328g and balance to 4pt HL.
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Tecnifibre Official
Rookie
Hi fl4tsc. So glad you received everything. We are looking forward to having you on the playtest and for your feedback. To my knowledge, there is no technologies associated with the design you mentioned. However! I roped my French colleagues (they are in product development) into doing a Q&A session here on the message boards - starting on Monday - so perhaps we can collectively ask them for their input. So check it out!
Just received my 305 today. Really love the minimalist design of the prototype paint-job. What's interesting to me is the asymmetry at the bottom of the throat. I assume that's just an aesthetic thing, but maybe @Tecnifibre Official can chime in.
Weighed in at 305.5g and 6pt HL so right on spec.
Just strung it up with Volkl Cyclone at 46/44 lbs and put the included overgrip on which brought the weight to 328g and balance to 4pt HL.
So my racquet came in at exactly 299 grams unstrung, so thumbs up in the quality control department. I strung it up with RPM Blast because I want to first hit with the racquet with the least amount of variables as possible so I can make accurate comparisons, and in the last year I've used RPM Blast the most in all my racquets. I will play with my most "standard" setup for a week or two, then try the racquet with Ice Code and the Contact Pro overgrip and include my impressions with both setups in my final review.
A few first impressions before my first hit tomorrow morning - I did some comparisons to my Pure Strike 100 and here are my notes:
Head size looks almost identical, and unfortunately I do not have a Pure Strike 98 or a Blade 98, but either way, any differences are likely to be negligible, or minimal at best.
After the racquet was strung, I immediately noticed how much more open the string pattern looked, and this was because the string spacing on the middle mains was about 3mm wider than the Pure Strike (11mm vs. 8mm), and the result is that the last mains are positioned closer to the end of the frame than the Pure Strike. Unfortunately it was impossible to take a good picture with the measuring tape aligned properly on the strings, I just don't have enough hands.
Strung specs came out to be 315g, 32.9cm, ~317SW on the swingtool app. Practically identical specs as my Pure Strike 100.
A few first impressions before my first hit tomorrow morning - I did some comparisons to my Pure Strike 100 and here are my notes:
Head size looks almost identical, and unfortunately I do not have a Pure Strike 98 or a Blade 98, but either way, any differences are likely to be negligible, or minimal at best.
After the racquet was strung, I immediately noticed how much more open the string pattern looked, and this was because the string spacing on the middle mains was about 3mm wider than the Pure Strike (11mm vs. 8mm), and the result is that the last mains are positioned closer to the end of the frame than the Pure Strike. Unfortunately it was impossible to take a good picture with the measuring tape aligned properly on the strings, I just don't have enough hands.
Strung specs came out to be 315g, 32.9cm, ~317SW on the swingtool app. Practically identical specs as my Pure Strike 100.
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
i do not intend to buy new racquets but i wonder if this test is about the new T-fight RS otherwise you are testing just an intermediate model?
Went for my first hit with the 300 this morning and I could definitely see the comfort and control that others have mentioned. Plays very differently from the Pure Strike despite having almost the exact same specs. This is indeed a control oriented frame that has a very generous spin potential, so I could see this being a great racquet for players who like the control of 18x20 pattern frames but wants to have a bit increased launch angle and more spin. Strangely enough, this plays more similarly to the Ultra Tour than the Pure Strike and I would have never expected this.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
The 305 does not appear to be listed?
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Not yet. But try 315 it’s better and easier to play. Trust me
I never really understood the 315. It’s heavier AND stiffer than the 305. You would think it would be softer due to the added mass. For me the softer 305 is more appealing.
That 66 stiffness looks a lot more like what my arm was telling me. The "marketing" description really sounds like what I'm experiencing. Still loving the racquet although at about 8 hrs in I think I'm ready to move on from Ice. I'm not sure if it was me or the string but I wasn't doing as well yesterday and it's easier to change string than my game.
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they must have put more mass in the rs section for this gen making it more stable/stiff!
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I am very keen to get your assessment of the 305 given your taste in frames! I saw a 333 sw, 323 static weight, and 33.3 balance earlier today...very intriguing.
fl4tsc
Rookie
Got a quick hour in with the 305 today. It's a decent bit lighter than I'm used to so my timing was just a bit off, but otherwise I really enjoyed it.
TF is certainly on to something with the new beam shape. Great power and stability for the weight, while still offering some decent control. Has a noticeably higher launch angle than my usual 18x20 H22s, but also generated more spin to bring the ball back down. The higher launch will take a little getting used to on my flatter 2hbh, but on the forehand it was an easy transition. Definitely stiffer feeling than the H22, but no comfort issues to speak of yet.
Probably the easiest comparison for me to make would be to the newest 18x20 Pure Strike. This is better in just about every way and has a lighter starting weight leaving more room to add weight. Just as much power and control, more spin, better feel, and so far better comfort.
TF is certainly on to something with the new beam shape. Great power and stability for the weight, while still offering some decent control. Has a noticeably higher launch angle than my usual 18x20 H22s, but also generated more spin to bring the ball back down. The higher launch will take a little getting used to on my flatter 2hbh, but on the forehand it was an easy transition. Definitely stiffer feeling than the H22, but no comfort issues to speak of yet.
Probably the easiest comparison for me to make would be to the newest 18x20 Pure Strike. This is better in just about every way and has a lighter starting weight leaving more room to add weight. Just as much power and control, more spin, better feel, and so far better comfort.
pabletion
Hall of Fame
How would you say it plays "different" from the Pure Strike? Im a former Pure Storm GT, then Pure Strike 1st gen user (black-neon pink), and when I tried the TFight 300 Dynacore I immediately liked it more than my Pure Strike, much more stable, was my first thought.
How abou the RS vs the current gens of Pure Strike?
I would say the Pure Strike has a bit more free power and bit less control compared to this TFight 300. The TFight feels like it swings faster and the feel on contact gives the impression that the frame is lighter and maybe a bit hollow, but it still remains very stable. I may need to play with I a bit more to get used to it, but it's definitely an interesting combination of qualities that doesn't hit the ball like it feels, if that makes sense. Like it hits a solid, heavy ball with good precision but how light the racquet feels, it seems like it shouldn't be able to hit that kind of ball.
I took my 300 for a rain shortened hit this morning. i came away very impressed from this initial hit. At the baseline the racquet swung very smooth and access to spin was not a problem. My current racquet is the TF40 305 so I needed to make a launch angle adjustment but after that it was smooth sailing. I loved volleying with the 300, super maneuverable and stable at net. Just some quick observations, full review to come!
jangotango
Semi-Pro
I've gotten around 13 hours with my 295 with Ice Code, 54x52 pounds. The only knock I have on this racquet is that it does not give me the surgical precision and control of my Six.One Team, but that was to be expected. It's far better at the net, very maneuverable with good feel and above average stability for its weight class. HUGE serves, and extra spin on seconds or kickers when I need it. I was overhitting quite a bit with the Ice Code, especially when it loosened up and started to wear down, but I got an hour and a half in today with my new go-to, Yonex Poly Tour Pro Blue, and definitely think it's a match made in heaven. We'll see how I wield this wand this weekend in my first tournament of the school year!
Serves and volleys have also been my favorite shots with the 300.
100% agree. Volleying with the 300 is a treat !!
Devil_dog
Hall of Fame
Slight update: Switched out the Ice Code after noticing notching and put in Volkl Cyclone Tour 17g.
Noticeable difference: regaining a bit more free power and a bit more spin.
But even despite using the same tension, the string bed is "springier" than before. VCT is definitely a softer poly so this may be why. I feel like the TF305 plays better with a stiffer poly but not sure my arm and shoulder can handle it long term. The stability, though, on serves and volleys are still there and still have control on my shots. Racquet still feels plush, too.
Noticeable difference: regaining a bit more free power and a bit more spin.
But even despite using the same tension, the string bed is "springier" than before. VCT is definitely a softer poly so this may be why. I feel like the TF305 plays better with a stiffer poly but not sure my arm and shoulder can handle it long term. The stability, though, on serves and volleys are still there and still have control on my shots. Racquet still feels plush, too.
jackcrawford
Professional
Racquet Received: Tecnifibre TFight 295
String and tension used for test: Black Code 1.18 @50 pounds. With Wilson Pro OG, Sampras dampener, it weighs 316 grams. TWE lists stiffness at 70. Weighed 294 unstrung, so Black Code 1.18 weighs fifteen grams as OG and dampener weigh seven grams. I do not like Ice Code, and I never use multi or hybrids in my rackets so I didn't use the supplied strings.
Tennis experience/background: Playing for twenty years. Played tournaments and league for ten years. 4.0 level at present.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): Consistent player, keeps the ball deep waiting for an error, or a short ball to put away with hard or angled groundstroke, or to approach the net on. Right-handed, two handed backhand with one-handed slice bh to change pace, one-handed volleys.
Current racquet/string setups: Volkl V-Feel V1 MP, weighs 305 grams strung/set up the exactly the way the Tec 295 is, weight added to bring it up to 313 grams.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? Five hours singles, four hours doubles
Comments on racquet performance:
-Groundstrokes: Easy to get depth, whether using a modern wristy type shot or old school Connors type shots. It can be a little harsh on mis-hits toward the top of the frame. No problem with inside out or inside in forehand putaways. Passing shots can be hit with nice dip, as racket head speed is easy to generate. The grip is long enough for two-handed backhands. To me, it feels more TK82S like than the TK82 like pallet I recall on Tec frames of the past. Backhand slices stay nice and low, and it is effective for forehand squash shots on the run. So much so, that I used a forehand slice crosscourt as an aggressive shot once in a while even with time to set up. My two-hander is flatter than my forehand, and there is a nice balance of power and control for it – I don't have to worry about swinging too hard or too soft, it achieves good depth with moderate topspin. It is precise enough to get the ball away from the net rusher, as I can't get enough topspin to just hit at the feet and force a missed volley like I can on the forehand. It is a stiff frame, but comfortable. Not as comfortable as I thought after my first singles session, as I avoided the mis-hits towards the top of the frame that day which of course cropped up as time went on. Once you are dialed in on the stiffness, drop shots are easy to accomplish. It has a nice, crisp response that feels more like a 11.7 ounce frame than an 11.1 ounce frame. I am not normally a fan of light players' rackets, but I like this one's response off the ground.
-Serves: Easy access to slice and kick for second serves, and good pop on flat firsts. The 295 has just as much control, and far more power and comfort than the Wilson Pro Staff 97L, which has very similar specs.
-Volleys: Very stable for the weight. Hard shots blocked back come off the frame with good pace and without twisting in your hand. Easy to put away sitters, and the ability to take off pace for drop volleys is surprisingly good for a frame this stiff. Overheads are helped by how easy this racket is to swing. Swinging forehand volleys are also helped by the maneuverability. I don't have the game for swinging backhand volleys.
-Serve returns: Wawrinka style, block everything back deep with a Continental grip, first serve returns are simple with this frame. It handles anything you'll find at the 4.0 level. You can also take the offensive on weak second serves and rip topspin shots to either corner. Easy to overpower the net man if given a sitter second serve in doubles. If someone wanted a slightly lighter, 12 ounce version of the 6.1 Classic 95, this would be a good platform for that because it could handle really big serves with the addition of weight and provide a similar crisp feel.
General reaction/comments on overall performance: This is the first light players' racket I could play with. Not play my best, but play with and not get destroyed. I don't supply my own power, so the V1 is a better fit for my game, but the Tec 295 has enough power that I could use it in a match at my level and have a chance, unlike the Pro Staff 97L. I like the crisp feel the 295 has – very comfortable within the sweet spot, and not real jarring outside of it. I don't have a sensitive arm. I always put Hyper- G 1.20 or Black Code 1.18 in my 100 sq in frames at 50 pounds without problem, and this frame did not give me any soreness at all. Other direct competitors I prefer it to are the Pure Strike Team 3rd generation, and Blade 100L v7. Tecnifibre really threaded the needle here – giving enough power to an 11 ounce players' frame without making it feel like a tweener.
1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
Gotta love TF always innovative with their beams/ shapes. The 305 being partially foam filled is nice too !
