Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax 16 Review: Spin and Control for the More Serious Player

The Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax 16 is a control-oriented co-polyester string with a unique wax layer that reduces friction between the strings, promoting snapback of the main string. This contributes to extra spin and durability.

Specifications

• Brand: Tecnifibre
• String Type: Pro Red Code Wax
• Thickness: 16/1.30 mm
• Type: Control-oriented co-polyester string with wax coating for increased snapback and spin
• Similar strings: Diadem Solstice Power 16, Babolat RPM Blast 16

Tested by

• Name: Mike
• Playing strength: 4/4
• Player type: Classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin himself, recently had shoulder problems
• Racket: Tecnifibre T-Fight Dynacore 300 (98 sq/inch, 16/19 stringing pattern)
• String hardness: 23/22 kg with a stringing range of 22-28 kg
• Test duration: 4 hours
• Favorite string: Diadem Solstice Power 17

Review Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax 16

• Durability: 8
• Voltage retention: 8
• Spin/Slice: 8
• Ball feel: 7.5
• Power: 7.5
• Control: 8.5
• Comfort/Arm-friendliness: 7.5

Stringing the String

The Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax 16 is a relatively stiff co-polyester string, but threading it went surprisingly smoothly. This is due to the (light) coating on the string, which makes it easier to thread the cross strings than with other stiff co-polyester strings. Although I normally play more supple and slightly thinner strings, I opted for a tension of 23/22 kg , which turned out to be a good choice.

Review Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax 16

Spin and Control
The Pro Red Code Wax 16 offers excellent control and excels in generating spin. Thanks to the wax layer and the 16/19 string pattern, it was relatively easy to create slice and topspin. This helps to increase the margin in your shots, especially in aggressive baseline play. The power level is sufficient, but the control is where this string really shines.

Ball feel and Power
Despite being a stiffer co-polyester string, the Pro Red Code Wax 16 offers surprisingly good ball feel for a 1.30mm string. However, on off-center hits the ball will die a bit quicker, which is a common characteristic of stiffer strings. When the ball is hit well in the center of the blade, the string offers sufficient power, but control remains the strongest point.

Durability and Voltage Maintenance
With the Thermocore technology , where the strings are heated and pre-stretched during production, the string offers excellent tension retention. After 4 hours of intensive playing I noticed little difference in liveliness and control, which ensures the playing characteristics over a longer period of time. The durability is fine; the string shows little wear after several hours of playing.

Comfort and Arm-friendliness
The string feels comfortable for a control-oriented co-polyester, but it's not necessarily the most arm-friendly string. Using a lower tension (23/22 kg in my case) helped to increase comfort. Compared to more supple strings like the Diadem Solstice Power , the Pro Red Code Wax 16 is a bit stiffer, but still offers sufficient dampening and protection against shock loads to the arm.

The Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax 16 is an excellent choice for players who can generate sufficient power themselves and are looking for more control and spin in their shots. The string is robust and offers excellent control and durability, while the wax layer helps to create extra spin and slice. Although the ball feel on off-center hits leaves something to be desired, the string performs well for players who are consistently looking for a tight mix of control and spin. Players looking for a bit more comfort or flexibility may want to consider a thinner string such as the 17 (1.25 mm) or 18 (1.20 mm) . The Pro Red Code Wax 16 makes the Pro Red Code series more accessible to a wider group of players thanks to the improved snapback and spin possibilities.