The huller Stéphane Penso takes in hand a new pala. This week is Tecnifibre Wall Master 365. A tricolor pala for a game of precision and control.
After the Wall Breakers and their patriotic cosmetics which left no doubt about the nationality of the company, Tecnifibre unveils for this new season the palas of the Wall Master range.
The brand does not bother with countless variations; 2 models are in the catalog, the 375, for those looking for power, and the 365, for those looking for wisdom.
It is this last model that has allowed us to discover and deepen, in the optimal conditions of an early autumn.
The background is black, the TF logo in white, these 2 combined tones have become a must in fashion, decoration and photography. Diametrically opposed, black and white nonetheless embody an undeniable complementary duo. As soon as we speak of classicism, this pair works wonders and imposes on its mere sight an anchoring which leaves no one unmoved.
This is what happens with this pala, a pronounced sobriety with a formidable visual impact. A light touch of blue and red, coupled with the white logo, once again reminds us of the French flag dear to the brand.
I had the chance to talk to Patrice Chabrel, “senior product manager” at Tecnifibre, and there is no doubt that the brand seems to want to invest more in the padel. Better than the most beautiful speech, Patrice sent me the product sheet of the pala which I suggest you discover below.
The part that interests us the most is the shape (round, for more maneuverability), the weight of 365gr (the golden mean), and the hardness of the rubber (of intermediate firmness). Tecnifibre has not played with extremes and these details show us that the brand did not take any risks, staying in the nails, in order to produce a racquet of the most homogeneous.
Bluffed is the first word that comes to mind. I didn´t expect to play with such a lively and captivating pala! The dynamism is simply striking, and the weight management harmonious. The balance is not quite in the handle, weird for a round shape, but we do not lose control and we gain power, so… the bet is won.
The mid foam presents a high efficiency and a radical return of power. The explosiveness is there as long as we decide to send the stew. Even when the shots are relaxed, you stroke the ball, and you feel this relentless and subtle transfer of energy. As a rule, this pala is not at all tiring.
A slight movement and energy will be enough to propel the ball in a relaxed manner and without additional affliction.
They follow one another without forcing, the racket becomes one with the arm, the apprehension is magical, it is a treat of ease to chain the shots with as much satisfaction and pleasure.
These are generally not the primary qualities of round formats. We are therefore within the limits of the optimal performance offered by this racket. It will be necessary to deploy a little more energy than with the diamond-shaped palas in order to compensate for the lack of power, which is not a negative point in itself because the main characteristic of this model is by no means the research. omnipotence, but the potentialization of other aspects of accessibility and playfulness.
This pala has taken the segment of racquets that are fun to play, it will erase the imperfections of novice players and charm the more advanced. Recreational and exhilarating, it was a pleasure to test this new mold. The collective delight was unanimous, it is a broad spectrum racket, which will delight 90% of players.
Those looking for a bit of extra power will go for the Wall Master 375. I would like to confront the Babolat Technical with the latter. Because if control and mastery are still there, there is no doubt that this Tecnifibre will be one of the flagship models of this 2021 season.
The brand nevertheless suffers in terms of image, because no top player is associated with this pala, but for less than 155 euros, the quality-price ratio remains surprising for a racket of this performance.
Energetic
Universal
Wide “punto dulce”
Restful
Lack of notoriety
Limited power
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Tecnifibre's concern for notoriety in padel, it is also and above all because of the very great fragility of the rackets: I broke two Wall Breaker 375s in a few weeks, and the 3rd last January (recent and brand new model) in the space of 5 minutes. warming up, smashing in front of the window ...
Enough to shoot down the reputation of a brand!