Ultimate racquet of choice - tournament players and/or coaches

Are you guys excited about TF40 v2 launch ? :) foam filled, great paintjobs, specs look good. What else to want ?
Demoed the 2022 TF40 16x19. I immediately felt at home, and had a strong desire to switch to it full time. Came in at 326 SW. My only worry was that I was looking for a more arm friendly frame, and this racquet played and felt stiff. But it felt wonderfully connected in a way that the Boom Pro/MP, Yonex Ezone 2022, Solinco Whiteout, Head Radical Graphene through 360 were not. And it wasn't uncomfortable either, thanks, most likely to the injected foam. Looking to demo the previous TF40 soon, to decided whether to pay for the latest hotness or scoop up the cheaper predecessors.
For now, I'm a Graphene Radical user, with some Youtek IG Radical Pro /PT2.0 /Twintube Candycane user.
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
31
Demoed the 2022 TF40 16x19. I immediately felt at home, and had a strong desire to switch to it full time. Came in at 326 SW. My only worry was that I was looking for a more arm friendly frame, and this racquet played and felt stiff. But it felt wonderfully connected in a way that the Boom Pro/MP, Yonex Ezone 2022, Solinco Whiteout, Head Radical Graphene through 360 were not. And it wasn't uncomfortable either, thanks, most likely to the injected foam. Looking to demo the previous TF40 soon, to decided whether to pay for the latest hotness or scoop up the cheaper predecessors.
For now, I'm a Graphene Radical user, with some Youtek IG Radical Pro /PT2.0 /Twintube Candycane user.
315 or 305? Sounds a bit like 305 review :)
 
31

315 or 305? Sounds a bit like 305 review :)
305, apologies. Been trying to go lighter after recent arm troubles. Dabbled with way too high swing weights over the past year, and need the other way now. Although as TW and others have said, the 315g is headlight enough to bring the SW down close to the 305, so you mainly get two different balances for different swing styles.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
305, apologies. Been trying to go lighter after recent arm troubles. Dabbled with way too high swing weights over the past year, and need the other way now. Although as TW and others have said, the 315g is headlight enough to bring the SW down close to the 305, so you mainly get two different balances for different swing styles.

TW listed the SW of the 315g at around 317 (from memory), while the 305g was 328 SW. So, with this iteration, there may be a difference in SW, balance and static weight, as well as, the layup (if it's the same as the previous iteration in this respect).
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
TW listed the SW of the 315g at around 317 (from memory), while the 305g was 328 SW. So, with this iteration, there may be a difference in SW, balance and static weight, as well as, the layup (if it's the same as the previous iteration in this respect).
True but difference between 16x19 versions in swing weight is much smaller I think.
 
i dont like the paint, but i like everything else about that racquet
Some variance is to be expected. My 326 number was based on the SW reading that **** measured and printed out on a throat sticker. It swung quickly. The Paintjob inspires no attraction from me, but it's not off-putting to me, either. By the way, they do continue with the texture treatment that we saw on the previous line, but in the form of raised lines crosscrossing irregularly in the painted colorful areas (invoking graffiti, perhaps), and smooth wherever it's white.
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
based on my experience with TF40 315 18x20 I believe TF40 16x19 should be really good :) They did some changes to the design from what I've read so maybe even TF40 18x20 improved? Something about strings moving more freely. Also, I am not worried about lower SW. TF40 felt a bit heavier than the listed specs.
I think about it like an improved IG prestige line. It had lower SW too but it didnt bother me. Felt great.
 

Gee

Hall of Fame
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.
The TF315 16x19 sounds very promising and a comparison with the Diadem Elevate FS would be interesting. I guess the TF315 is just a little more precise because a bit denser string pattern.

I only wished the rectangular TF grip pallets could be replaced (with Head TK82S pallets for instance).
 

williamthurman

New User
@galapagos amazing thread (alongside your ultimate string of choice) and thank you for all the detailed reviews. 5.0 aggressive lefty baseliner here, rely on my forehand to dictate. I have been playing with the VC95 (2018) (with Lynx Tour at low tension and some little modification, weight at 348) for two years and have been loving it. Great racquet when you have all the energy and focus. However in the last months playing against 5.5 players in club and tourney setting, I have been struggling to find easy power and would struggle to play my attacking game after one or two hours of play, in short as mentioned by many, very demanding racket especially when games are getting tougher. I have been eyeing your 305RS review with great interest but was wondering if you had any other idea - coming from the VC 95 - as I am looking to keep linear response and stability as a priority but add some easy power (touch is not so important part of my game). Many thanks again for the great content on tt
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
@galapagos are all your TC95 and TC97 all V3? If not, did you notice any difference between different versions?
i had V2, V3 and octane (v4 i guess?)
I think octane maybe is a bit softer than v2 and v3 which are very similar. However the „softer” feeling one had much higher SW so maybe more materials or Just destroying the ball. Or Just my brain playing games. Octane paintjob has that slightly different coating so who knows..very small difference if any.
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
@galapagos amazing thread (alongside your ultimate string of choice) and thank you for all the detailed reviews. 5.0 aggressive lefty baseliner here, rely on my forehand to dictate. I have been playing with the VC95 (2018) (with Lynx Tour at low tension and some little modification, weight at 348) for two years and have been loving it. Great racquet when you have all the energy and focus. However in the last months playing against 5.5 players in club and tourney setting, I have been struggling to find easy power and would struggle to play my attacking game after one or two hours of play, in short as mentioned by many, very demanding racket especially when games are getting tougher. I have been eyeing your 305RS review with great interest but was wondering if you had any other idea - coming from the VC 95 - as I am looking to keep linear response and stability as a priority but add some easy power (touch is not so important part of my game). Many thanks again for the great content on tt
Did you customize it in any way? RS305 is totally different in weight distribution. This can mess up with your mechanics. Racquet that comes to my mind is head speed pro 360+. Packed with performance, forgiving, more power than yonex but still a lot of control. Amazing racquet. And the weight distribution is less extreme. Only thing that can bother you is higher SW.

also sometimes good to stay within the brand you got used to, so Maybe new yonex ezone ? Shapovalov did change from his vcore to ezone i guess for same reason you are thinking now but of course just much higher level.
 

williamthurman

New User
Did you customize it in any way? RS305 is totally different in weight distribution. This can mess up with your mechanics. Racquet that comes to my mind is head speed pro 360+. Packed with performance, forgiving, more power than yonex but still a lot of control. Amazing racquet. And the weight distribution is less extreme. Only thing that can bother you is higher SW.

also sometimes good to stay within the brand you got used to, so Maybe new yonex ezone ? Shapovalov did change from his vcore to ezone i guess for same reason you are thinking now but of course just much higher level.
I have the Vcore modified with some lead 6g total at 3 and 9 and some weight in the buttcap. I did try an Ezone a long time ago and felt somehow very stiff to my arm. A direct jump to a 100 head might be interesting indeed with the head speed! Thanks for the recommendations.
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
I have the Vcore modified with some lead 6g total at 3 and 9 and some weight in the buttcap. I did try an Ezone a long time ago and felt somehow very stiff to my arm. A direct jump to a 100 head might be interesting indeed with the head speed! Thanks for the recommendations.
New vcore 95 has small boost in power i heard. I did experience small trampoline effect when hit clean. But obviously the sweet spot is still quite small. Also head extreme tour is interesting but you will definitely need to add more mass. I think in stock form its even faster than vcore 95.

also head radical mp 360+ is easy to use and has linear response.Good control. I think blade offers more juice but you can feel the weight with your wrist. Radical is very easy to move. More neutral Just like vcore line.
I will soon try tecnifibre TF40 315 16x19 so will update on that too :)
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
i had V2, V3 and octane (v4 i guess?)
I think octane maybe is a bit softer than v2 and v3 which are very similar. However the „softer” feeling one had much higher SW so maybe more materials or Just destroying the ball. Or Just my brain playing games. Octane paintjob has that slightly different coating so who knows..very small difference if any.

Octane was more like a V3.5... as the new V4 range is back to a different look but still that orange/bronze and black paint scheme.
 

Boubi

Professional
@galapagos amazing thread (alongside your ultimate string of choice) and thank you for all the detailed reviews. 5.0 aggressive lefty baseliner here, rely on my forehand to dictate. I have been playing with the VC95 (2018) (with Lynx Tour at low tension and some little modification, weight at 348) for two years and have been loving it. Great racquet when you have all the energy and focus. However in the last months playing against 5.5 players in club and tourney setting, I have been struggling to find easy power and would struggle to play my attacking game after one or two hours of play, in short as mentioned by many, very demanding racket especially when games are getting tougher. I have been eyeing your 305RS review with great interest but was wondering if you had any other idea - coming from the VC 95 - as I am looking to keep linear response and stability as a priority but add some easy power (touch is not so important part of my game). Many thank again for the great content on tt
RS305 is better than the vc 95 which is too muted and less fast as long as i remember
RS is accurate, stable, has plow…. You cannot go wrong with it
Strung with red code at 23/22 kgs
5.5
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
RS305 is better than the vc 95 which is too muted and less fast as long as i remember
RS is accurate, stable, has plow…. You cannot go wrong with it
Strung with red code at 23/22 kgs
5.5
RS305 definitely amazing stick. Im just thinking that it could be a bit too big departure from vc 95 when it comes to swing mechanics. I had to customize mine RS305 quite heavily to make it move as I want to and I am coming from sticks more similar in weight distribution to vc95 than let's say oldschool blades.
that being said RS305 customized felt like a bit tempered Speed Pro. Speed Pro is thick and 100" which looks a bit weird coming from thin and small racquets. But its mostly visual thing because the performance is addictive. RS305 is 98" so it looks much much more familar but at the same time is also very forgiving. I respect Speed Pro weight distribution. I hope to see TFight RS update with specs like Speed Pro or....just make it heavy and headlight. Medvedev balance setup is very headlight as well. In the past there were Tfights with 320g/310mm setups I think? also 325g...i suspect not the best sellers. Trick is to make lighter racquet with still kinda nice plow and stability yet slightly better maneuverability. Let's call it modern :) Blades and Speed Pro are the best examples that come to my head. Tecnifibre RS305 is more like a "beginning" of this modern era racquets (Blade 2015 and before, Radicals when they were 18x20). high SW but also 32.5 balance. It's very very specific setup and for sure has quite a big fanbase as well. Goffin is using that one :)
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
I just received the new TF40 16 305 an 315 frames. I am surprised that testers don't tell about things that I saw immediately, ex: general geometry, beam sections and thickness. Even Tecnifibre Japan posting false information, and TW inaccurate information. Very misleading. We don't need that.
I already hit and came to conclusions comparing to my legacy Tecnifibre rackets. So, I will write about it.
For heads up, right now the TF40 is not my choice (or will be), being so good but am still looking for my new player's racket.
Awaiting Diadem Elevate 98 FS next.
 
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ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
The new Tecnifibre TF40 demos I got are described here.
Testing 2 frames TF40 305 and 315 16x19. Both are labeled L3 (4 3/8) but 305 is L2 and 315 L3.
These are my measured values.
Beam width (mm)
Head Middle Throat Shaft
TF40-305-16 22.3 22.1 22.3 21.8
TF40 315-16 22.5 22.3 22.5 22.0

They came strung with multi TRIAX 1.33, so these are the corresponding values of Mass and Inertia:
Frame Measurements
Weight (g) CG (cm) SW (kc^2) TW (kc^2) MgR/I

TF40-305-16 322.8 33.0 315 17.5 23.3
TF40 315-16 336.2 31.8 318 16.5 23.4

First impressions are that are TF40 frames absolutely, both have similar characteristics and the head shape is the same as the original. Beam geometries very similar.
The dynamic flexes are: 305 plays stiffer than the 315, which plays identical to original 315 18M. Feeling is typically high, having plush and benign sweet spot.
The TF40 18x20 is pretty much the reference frame, so if the desire is to get higher launch angle, the 315 16M gives you exactly that and the same powerful top than the original. The 305 16M will give you what a stiffer frame does, a little more pop.
Both frames are excellent baseline for tuning to your game, i.e.: they get better for you, more efficient everywhere.
If you play or know the characteristics of the TF40 18M reference frame, you pretty much have a very clear idea how these 16 M play, on every shot.
If you can serve big you will, if you can direct the ball, it will go there, they do everything you want. A player's frame so to speak.

Comparing these frames to other Tecnis is not fair, because these ARE control frames for players that can swing, and they will get the most out of the racket.
Just like a good violinist that will make a violin sound right.

It is up to you, these rackets have the necessary qualities for great performance and will not brake your arm trying.
 
Last edited:

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
For above may these come out easier to read.

Beam width (mm)​
Head​
Middle​
Throat​
Shaft​
TF40-305-16
22.3​
22.1​
22.3​
21.8​
TF40 315-16
22.5​
22.3​
22.5​
22.0​

Frame Measurements​
Weight (g)​
CG (cm)​
SW (kc^2)​
TW (kc^2)​
MgR/I​
TF40-305-16
322.8​
33.0​
315​
17.5​
23.3​
TF40 315-16
336.2​
31.8​
318​
16.5​
23.4​
 
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tomkowy

Rookie
For above may these come out easier to read.

Beam width (mm)​
Head​
Middle​
Throat​
Shaft​
TF40-305-16
22.3​
22.1​
22.3​
21.8​
TF40 315-16
22.5​
22.3​
22.5​
22.0​

Frame Measurements​
Weight (g)​
CG (cm)​
SW (kc^2)​
TW (kc^2)​
MgR/I​
TF40-305-16
322.8​
33.0​
315​
17.5​
23.3​
TF40 315-16
336.2​
31.8​
318​
16.5​
23.4​
Thank you! How do you measure twistweight? These values are ridiculously high. Almost all racquets I’ve checked online have it between 13,5-15,5. Pure Drive and Tecnifibre 305 RS have around 15,5 and they are ultra stable.
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
Thank you! How do you measure twistweight? These values are ridiculously high. Almost all racquets I’ve checked online have it between 13,5-15,5. Pure Drive and Tecnifibre 305 RS have around 15,5 and they are ultra stable.
These are Strung values, I have a machine fully calibrated and leveled (am Aerospace Engr. with few tools ;)). Ex: I tune mine to ~17-17.5 TW... results >laser volleys from anywhere.
 

tomkowy

Rookie
These are Strung values, I have a machine fully calibrated and leveled (am Aerospace Engr. with few tools ;)). Ex: I tune mine to ~17-17.5 TW... results >laser volleys from anywhere.
I wish I had such stuff at my disposal :)

Do I understand right, that all twistweight values in Tennis Warehouse University database are unstrung? How much does twistweight raise with stringing? It would be great if you could provide some anchor point to compare TWU database with your measurings.

Now I've noticed that your MgR/I results are different than these provided by this calculator: https://impactingtennis.com/education-tools/mgr-i/
Your values are also from the machine or calculated manually?
 

t_pac

Semi-Pro
Are you sure those mgr/I numbers are correct, I've never seen anything that high.

I just put the 315 specs in to my customisation spreadsheet and got 21.03?
 

Boubi

Professional
have you experimented with some other strings? Maybe Razor Code or Black Code or 4s? I am using Razor Code in my RS305. Havent tried red code in it.
I tested razor and ice code, also 4G, did not like them in this racquet
Best was red code, hands down
My former go to string was cyclone, haven't tried it yet on the RS305, maybe I'll try one day a gut or prince syn gut, just to see
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
Are you sure those mgr/I numbers are correct, I've never seen anything that high.

I just put the 315 specs in to my customisation spreadsheet and got 21.03?
That is pretty close... If you play with both setups you can tell the difference... very well. BUT besides is ONLY an index value to use as reference for swing types (it doesn't have physical meaning).
The important thing is to measure with the same tools under the same conditions: strings weights, etc.
If you also take into consideration the "dynamic response" of "the system racket-player" ... then these things get reaaallly interesting and valuable.
 
Last edited:

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
I tested razor and ice code, also 4G, did not like them in this racquet
Best was red code, hands down
My former go to string was cyclone, haven't tried it yet on the RS305, maybe I'll try one day a gut or prince syn gut, just to see
On my RS300 I like GutM/multiX at 58 DT.... A serious weapon set up. When happen to play with partners that never played before, they ALL ask me, WWUAAAAUU what A sound !!!, what strings do you use ??? I just reply: " is just the way I hit the ball"....
:giggle:
 
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galapagos

Hall of Fame
I tested razor and ice code, also 4G, did not like them in this racquet
Best was red code, hands down
My former go to string was cyclone, haven't tried it yet on the RS305, maybe I'll try one day a gut or prince syn gut, just to see
i like razor and red code. razor i prefer 1.25 gauge, red code i tried only 1.30 and loved it as well :) soon will try 4s and black code...
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour REVIEW
66766484ec1aafa21976f6a174ca4018Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjIzMTY0OTU0-2.60233782.jpg

born in Italy, tailored for clay

seriously, this is a good racquet ! Fast (too fast for me), spin friendly, forgiving, enough comfort, good touch, nice control.

It's like a baby Angell TC95 but 98" and less power (due to much lighter specs). It's one of the fastest racquets I used in 2021. In my opinion it's too fast. Feels like a toy (junior racquet). It's solid enough but it has almost no plow through. For someone coming from 320g sticks with 320-330 SW this will be a VERY difficult switch without customizations.

This very light feeling gives you the sensation of an empty, anemic racket. Imagine you are holding Yonex Vcore Pro (or Vcore 95)... those are already quite light. Well - Extreme Tour is even lighter.
That's my biggest problem with Extreme Tour, and IMO it's actually making the frame even more demanding.

You need to accelerate and make sure to extend out with good wrist movement to really make this frame work. I gave it to some less advanced players and they liked Tecnifibre Iga frame much more because there is some "auto-mode" going on. Same would be with Radical, Blades...etc.. it's a matter of light static weight and higher SW (or higher balance point) so the racquet kinda moves around automatic.

Good for players that are hitting very hard. If you put enough RHS to this frame it will reward you. Since it's actually very light the power lvl is quite low. (Power comes from string pattern of this frame)

Control - I didn't experience any issues. with such light toy it's hard to overhit.
In general I want to think about this frame like it's a prestige for kids with 16x19 pattern that is making it more "alive" but still very classic.
In stock mode it's a no-go for me. But customized this could be my top 3 pick seriously. But oh boy I don't even know how much weight and where I would have to add... it's so far far far away from those other frames. Closest pit stop would be Diadem Elevate (which is also a bit too light in stock form), then Radical (at this point the racquet should be already much better) then area around Speed Pro, maybe radical pro. This frame definitely needs more mass in the head but mostly for that specific feel of solidness.

I think that's a great racquet for a one-handed backhand players (but still need to be customized for better plow lol)

If I have to focus on what this frame could be rather than what it actually is then we are definitely entering Angell/Speed/Blade/Prestige territory of performance. In stock form its a bit dissapointing just like Yonex Vcore 95 where you kinda feel enourmous potential of the design but the execution is kinda missed. I strongly believe customized to my specs it would also beat Vcore 95. I know it's a "power" frame but for example Vcore 95 had more "trampoline" effect boost in power. Extreme Tour was responding in a very uniform, consistent way which I respect. On top of that it's a 98" headsize so also offers more forgiveness that can be handy on clay.

It's a hidden gem but for those who know what they are looking for. Definitely needs more mass for advanced players and those less advanced will enjoy other frames much more UNLESS you are falling into this group of players who are not advanced yet have developed nice racquet acceleration and are not afraid to use it.

Very fun playtest and definitely a great design! I rate the racquet at 6.9. I enjoyed the playtest even more than with vcore 95 but it shares similar problems in stock form. However I must say that extreme tour really inspires to play good and aggresive with nice spin.

rest of the frames (click)
say hello on IG ! (y) @dandan.tennis
 
Last edited:

tomkowy

Rookie
For above may these come out easier to read.

Beam width (mm)​
Head​
Middle​
Throat​
Shaft​
TF40-305-16
22.3​
22.1​
22.3​
21.8​
TF40 315-16
22.5​
22.3​
22.5​
22.0​

Frame Measurements​
Weight (g)​
CG (cm)​
SW (kc^2)​
TW (kc^2)​
MgR/I​
TF40-305-16
322.8​
33.0​
315​
17.5​
23.3​
TF40 315-16
336.2​
31.8​
318​
16.5​
23.4​
I've checked that strings add ~2 points to twistweight, so unstrung would be 15.5 and 14.5 respectively. So they made sure with 305 that the racquet is stable, forgiving and easy to play despite lower swingweight.

In general I want to think about this frame like it's a prestige for kids with 16x19 pattern that is making it more "alive" but still very classic.
In stock mode it's a no-go for me. But customized this could be my top 3 pick seriously. But oh boy I don't even know how much weight and where I would have to add... it's so far far far away from those other frames.
I agree with you that it's probably created for 13 - 14 year old players that switch from tweeners or want something more controllable than Pure Drive. Otherwise Head would bump up the swingweight a bit.
Customization - just add 3 grams at the top or 4 grams total at 1 and 11 plus an overgrip (8-9 grams) and you will get something very close in specs to stock Speed Pro. I acutally prefer Extreme Tour over Speed Pro after customization. It has more power and smaller sweetspot.
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
Extreme MP is more head heavy and better than tour version
Paired with 4G it's a bliss
ye but extreme MP is too extreme in my eyes. 32.5 mm, 100". It's a power-frame. Extreme Tour is really something else. It could be in prestige line as 16x19 option and nobody would cry about it I think. "Prestige S light" lol
btw I had prestige s from few years back in my hands. nice frame. quite responsive, even more than this extreme tour lol
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
The new Tecnifibre TF40 demos I got are described here.
Testing 2 frames TF40 305 and 315 16x19. Both are labeled L3 (4 3/8) but 305 is L2 and 315 L3.
These are my measured values.
Beam width (mm)
Head Middle Throat Shaft
TF40-305-16 22.3 22.1 22.3 21.8
TF40 315-16 22.5 22.3 22.5 22.0

They came strung with multi TRIAX 1.33, so these are the corresponding values of Mass and Inertia:
Frame Measurements
Weight (g) CG (cm) SW (kc^2) TW (kc^2) MgR/I

TF40-305-16 322.8 33.0 315 17.5 23.3
TF40 315-16 336.2 31.8 318 16.5 23.4

First impressions are that are TF40 frames absolutely, both have similar characteristics and the head shape is the same as the original. Beam geometries very similar.
The dynamic flexes are: 305 plays stiffer than the 315, which plays identical to original 315 18M. Feeling is typically high, having plush and benign sweet spot.
The TF40 18x20 is pretty much the reference frame, so if the desire is to get higher launch angle, the 315 16M gives you exactly that and the same powerful top than the original. The 305 16M will give you what a stiffer frame does, a little more pop.
Both frames are excellent baseline for tuning to your game, i.e.: they get better for you, more efficient everywhere.
If you play or know the characteristics of the TF40 18M reference frame, you pretty much have a very clear idea how these 16 M play, on every shot.
If you can serve big you will, if you can direct the ball, it will go there, they do everything you want. A player's frame so to speak.

Comparing these frames to other Tecnis is not fair, because these ARE control frames for players that can swing, and they will get the most out of the racket.
Just like a good violinist that will make a violin sound right.

It is up to you, these rackets have the necessary qualities for great performance and will not brake your arm trying.
what a review :) thanks, what string and tension did you use?
Interesting thing about the dynamic flexes. Sounds like 315 could be great alternative to my prestige MP which is kinda "dead" when compared to other racquets in my bag. TF40 315 18x20 was hotter than prestige which I now would definitely prefer but in theory I believe 16x19 should be even better with bigger sweet spot and acces to spin while still being a control oriented frame overall.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour REVIEW
66766484ec1aafa21976f6a174ca4018Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjIzMTY0OTU0-2.60233782.jpg

born in Italy, tailored for clay

seriously, this is a good racquet ! Fast (too fast for me), spin friendly, forgiving, enough comfort, good touch, nice control.

It's like a baby Angell TC95 but 98" and less power (due to much lighter specs). It's one of the fastest racquets I used in 2021. In my opinion it's too fast. Feels like a toy (junior racquet). It's solid enough but it has almost no plow through. For someone coming from 320g sticks with 320-330 SW this will be a VERY difficult switch without customizations.

This very light feeling gives you the sensation of an empty, anemic racket. Imagine you are holding Yonex Vcore Pro (or Vcore 95)... those are already quite light. Well - Extreme Tour is even lighter.
That's my biggest problem with Extreme Tour, and IMO it's actually making the frame even more demanding.

You need to accelerate and make sure to extend out with good wrist movement to really make this frame work. I gave it to some less advanced players and they liked Tecnifibre Iga frame much more because there is some "auto-mode" going on. Same would be with Radical, Blades...etc.. it's a matter of light static weight and higher SW (or higher balance point) so the racquet kinda moves around automatic.

Good for players that are hitting very hard. If you put enough RHS to this frame it will reward you. Since it's actually very light the power lvl is quite low. (Power comes from string pattern of this frame)

Control - I didn't experience any issues. with such light toy it's hard to overhit.
In general I want to think about this frame like it's a prestige for kids with 16x19 pattern that is making it more "alive" but still very classic.
In stock mode it's a no-go for me. But customized this could be my top 3 pick seriously. But oh boy I don't even know how much weight and where I would have to add... it's so far far far away from those other frames. Closest pit stop would be Diadem Elevate (which is also a bit too light in stock form), then Radical (at this point the racquet should be already much better) then area around Speed Pro, maybe radical pro. This frame definitely needs more mass in the head but mostly for that specific feel of solidness.

I think that's a great racquet for a one-handed backhand players (but still need to be customized for better plow lol)

If I have to focus on what this frame could be rather than what it actually is then we are definitely entering Angell/Speed/Blade/Prestige territory of performance. In stock form its a bit dissapointing just like Yonex Vcore 95 where you kinda feel enourmous potential of the design but the execution is kinda missed. I strongly believe customized to my specs it would also beat Vcore 95. I know it's a "power" frame but for example Vcore 95 had more "trampoline" effect boost in power. Extreme Tour was responding in a very uniform, consistent way which I respect. On top of that it's a 98" headsize so also offers more forgiveness that can be handy on clay.

It's a hidden gem but for those who know what they are looking for. Definitely needs more mass for advanced players and those less advanced will enjoy other frames much more UNLESS you are falling into this group of players who are not advanced yet have developed nice racquet acceleration and are not afraid to use it.

Very fun playtest and definitely a great design! I rate the racquet at 6.9. I enjoyed the playtest even more than with vcore 95 but it shares similar problems in stock form. However I must say that extreme tour really inspires to play good and aggresive with nice spin.

rest of the frames (click)
I string for a guy that has two. We matched them up to 330g, 32cm, 325sw. They were light in stock form. He is a consistent 3.5. It’s a bit like the ezone 98 that needs a bit of weight to go 320+.
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
what a review :) thanks, what string and tension did you use?
Interesting thing about the dynamic flexes. Sounds like 315 could be great alternative to my prestige MP which is kinda "dead" when compared to other racquets in my bag. TF40 315 18x20 was hotter than prestige which I now would definitely prefer but in theory I believe 16x19 should be even better with bigger sweet spot and acces to spin while still being a control oriented frame overall.
Yes indeed, the TF40 315 16M is a version of the 315 18M, same flex, etc. etc. which I have also for straight comparison. The DT was very low at 44lbs, yet with TRIAX did not lose accuracy. With proper customizing for your game it has a good amount of performance available. Just like the 18M. So is up to you: more launch angle or less...every thing else is included. Great players frame.
 

galapagos

Hall of Fame
Yes indeed, the TF40 315 16M is a version of the 315 18M, same flex, etc. etc. which I have also for straight comparison. The DT was very low at 44lbs, yet with TRIAX did not lose accuracy. With proper customizing for your game it has a good amount of performance available. Just like the 18M. So is up to you: more launch angle or less...every thing else is included. Great players frame.
Would you say the launch is similar to blade, radical mp ? Kinda tight 16x19? Or a bit higher ?
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
Would you say the launch is similar to blade, radical mp ? Kinda tight 16x19? Or a bit higher ?
I would say within Blade 16M range, something like that. Again, I do not have problem spinning the ball but noticed that 18M is flatter type ball ideal. Then again, if you tweak the strings... you can get as much as you like. Unlimited so to speak.
 

Boubi

Professional
ye but extreme MP is too extreme in my eyes. 32.5 mm, 100". It's a power-frame. Extreme Tour is really something else. It could be in prestige line as 16x19 option and nobody would cry about it I think. "Prestige S light" lol
btw I had prestige s from few years back in my hands. nice frame. quite responsive, even more than this extreme tour lol

You May also string at higher tensions, 4G gave a very soft feedback
 
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