Category Archives: Racquets – New
New racquet introductions
Tecnifibre T-Fight 315 XTC
Tecnifibre has been making racquets for some time and it has taken some time for the racquets to gain traction! For years the racquets played off of the success of Tecnifibre strings! “If the strings are that good the racquets must be good as well”…was the thinking, I believe.
The racquets are able to stand on thier own and the relationship with the Lacoste brand certainly has helped from a “brand” perspective. Did Lacoste change the logo from the triangle to the stylized TF! I wonder?
The racquet continues the red, white and blue (French colors and the home country of Tecnifibre) graphics package and they look good! The white basic color makes the shaft look a little bulbous, in my opinion, but that has no bearing on performance!
The T-Fight XTC series offers racquet weights of 280, 295, 300, 305, and 315 grams so there is one for every level!
Even Danil Medvedev! If you watched the US Open you saw, in my opinion, one of the best of the year!
Take a look at the specifications then come in and try this racquet!
| Manufacturer | Tecnifibre |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Tecnifibre T-Fight 315 XTC |
| Reference Tension | 53 lbs - 24.0 kg |
| String | Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 51 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 64.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 63 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 55 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 384.8 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 338 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.92 |
| Balance, mm | 312 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.28 |
| Length, Cm | 68.85 |
| Length, Inch | 27.106 |
| Head Width | 9.63 |
| Head Length | 12.93 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 631.1 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97.8 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .627 |
| Main String Grid | 7.62 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.25 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .798 |
| Average Cross String Space | .539 |
| Average Main String Space | .476 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.7 |
| First Moment, Nm | .802 |
| Polar Moment | 333 |
| Torsional Stability | 16 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 317 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.18 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 329 |
| Power, RDC | 50 |
| Control, RDC | 50 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 75 |
| Power, Calculated | 1973.2 |
| Head Points | 10.16 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 45.3% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.4 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.91 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 28.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 163.4 |
| Recoil Weight | 167.4 |
| Twist Weight | 235.1 |
| End Weight | 148.6 |
| Tip Weight | 192/0 |
| 9 O'Clock | 99.5 |
| 3 O'Clock | 97.2 |
| Butt Cap | 143.5 |
Tecnifibre T-Flash 285
As I was working on this racquet I am thinking about the category in which this will be placed by me, and others probably, and I need to put it in the “game improvement” category!
Typically “game improvement” racquets are very large, ultra light, head heavy, and stiff! The T-Flash falls into this category because it is stiff! None of the other characteristics apply!
This racquet has a stiffness of RDC 70! This compares to the Wilson Ultra, and the Babolat Pure Drive, except it is not as heavy as either of those racquets.
To me the weight is an issue that can be remedied, and the very open string pattern mitigates the stiffness and keeps the effective stiffness below 30.
If you are considering a “power” oriented racquet this one should be on the list!
Adding Ashaway MonoGut ZX string to the mix assures the player of comfortable hitting!
Take a look at the specifications… then hit with it!
| Manufacturer | Tecnifibre |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Tecnifibre T-Flash 285 |
| Reference Tension | 55 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Ashaway MonoGut ZX |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 51 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 68 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 70 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 56 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 413.8 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 315 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.11 |
| Balance, mm | 336 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.23 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.968 |
| Head Width | 9.57 |
| Head Length | 12.92 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 626.4 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 97.1 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .624 |
| Main String Grid | 7.75 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.31 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .823 |
| Average Cross String Space | .543 |
| Average Main String Space | .484 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.7 |
| First Moment, Nm | .822 |
| Polar Moment | 330 |
| Torsional Stability | 14 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 316 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.15 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 355 |
| Power, RDC | 56 |
| Control, RDC | 45 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 76 |
| Power, Calculated | 2147.6 |
| Head Points | 2.05 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 49.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.91 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 29.5 |
| K, Lb/In | 163.4 |
| Recoil Weight | 142.9 |
| Twist Weight | 216.4 |
| End Weight | 113.0 |
| Tip Weight | 197.1 |
| 9 O'Clock | 95.7 |
| 3 O'Clock | 99.1 |
| Butt Cap | 115.2 |
Tecnifibre TF 40 305
As you know Racquet Quest is always interested in racquet models from any brand and while Tecnifibre is not a new brand it is, in my opinion, just beginning to gain traction in this market.
Tecnifibre has always been associated with some of the best multi-filament strings available.
The racquet we are reviewing today is the Tecnifibre TF 40, 305 gram version. I would place this racquet in the “player” category, if you believe in such categories, and the 21.7mm beam confirms where most “players” find themselves. The 18×20 string pattern also contributes to the categorical placement.
There is a 305 gram version of the TF 40 and a 315 gram version both having the 18×20 string pattern. I believe there needs to be a 16×19 string pattern to complete the TF 40 series.
The TF 40 series is a no-frill approach to racquets. The red, white, blue, and black graphics look good as does the “knurled” outer surface of the racquet head.
Take a look at the “play ready”, string, overgrip, vibration damper, specifications below to see how it stacks up, then come by and try it!
| Manufacturer | Tecnifibre |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Tecnifibre TF 40 305 |
| Reference Tension | 53 lbs - 24.9 kg |
| String | Tecnifibre HD MX 16 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 60 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 69.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 60 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 43 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 376.3 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 329 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.61 |
| Balance, mm | 332 |
| Balance, Inch | 13.07 |
| Length, Cm | 68.6 |
| Length, Inch | 27.008 |
| Head Width | 9.57 |
| Head Length | 12.86 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 623.3 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 96.6 |
| Number of Main Strings | 18 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .670 |
| Main String Grid | 7.625 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.125 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .786 |
| Average Cross String Space | .506 |
| Average Main String Space | .417 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 39 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 218.3 |
| First Moment, Nm | .846 |
| Polar Moment | 337 |
| Torsional Stability | 16 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 321 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.32 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 362.6 |
| Power, RDC | 41 |
| Control, RDC | 61 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 73 |
| Power, Calculated | 1879.3 |
| Head Points | 3.46 (negative = head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 48.4% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.5 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.21 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 30.0 |
| K, Lb/In | 192.3 |
| Recoil Weight | 146.3 |
| Twist Weight | 226.0 |
| End Weight | 127.6 |
| Tip Weight | 202.0 |
| 9 O'Clock | 98.7 |
| 3 O'Clock | 100.7 |
| Butt Cap | 127.8 |
Head Speed 10th Anniversary Edition
The new Head Speed 10th Anniversary Edition is here and whether you are a collector or serious player, or both, you need to see this model!
The all black, with some gold splashe
s, racquet is here in the MP and S versions, and both the same specs as the non anniversary edition which, by the way, has put a Head racquet in the top five best sellers in the US!
Typical of all Head Special Editions and Anniversary Models this racquet comes pre-strung with another set of string attached for those that don’t like the current string setup. A good move, in my opnion.
These racquets are here now so stop by and take a look at this beaitiful Anniversary Edition.
How to Demo a Racquet
We have what seems to be a zillion demo racquets, and there is a player for each of them, I suppose.
One of the biggest complaints against “demoing” is precisely that…too many to choose from!
This is what we recommend;
- Start the convesation with yourself before you need to make a decision. Allow a month before the “season” starts if you can,and start the conversation with us early on.
- What do you want that your current racquet is not providing.
- What is your budget. If you are a junior what is your “sponsors” budget.
- With these three questions you are well on the way to a painless “demoing” expreience!
Here is what we would like to have to speed up the process:
- Bring your current racquet in “play ready condition” with you to the primary discussion.
- Tell us what has changed physically since you selected the current racquet.
- Injuries, including tennis elbow, shoulder and wrist issues, or a long layoff, etc.
- What do you want the new racquet to do that the current racquet is not?
- Power, or “POP”, Control, Comfort, Grip Size, String Issues, etc.
- Do you have a brand preference?
- If we can make your current racquet better will you not demo other racquets?
- It is possible that the current racquet can be better than it is so demo it as well after some customization.
- Tell us if this is of interest or “I want a new racquet…period!
With this information we can make the demoing process much more fun,consise, and ultimatley rewarding, and in a much shorter time period.
Our demo process is free however we believe the racquet should be “setup” just as it will be used which may require stringing and a litttle customization and there will be a charge for that if you agree.
Our huge database of racquet specifications allow a quick look at the characteristics you prefer.
We think you wil be surprised at how much fun the demo process can be!
Racquet Quest, LLC
