Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Tecnifibre TF40 305 16x19

TW Staff

Administrator
Attention Talk Tennis Members:

What a great month for a playtest! We have a limited number of Tecnfibre TF40 305 16x19s available to playtest. We also have two grip sizes available- 2 and 3. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with a set of Tecnifibre Razor Code 17 and Triax 16 strings.

Application period is now closed. Selected participants will be notified by Friday, March 18th at 5 PM PST.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by April 22nd at 5 PM.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.
 
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This should be amazing to compare with the Solinco Whiteout and the previous TF40. Definitely watching this thread.
 
I am very excited for this playtest, I demoed the previous tf40, and liked it, hopefully this will be an upgrade
 
Waiting to see who is the ultimate winner TF40.305 vs Whiteout.305.... I am expecting a very close match, possibly even a close 3rd set tie-break :)
 
Waiting to see who is the ultimate winner TF40.305 vs Whiteout.305.... I am expecting a very close match, possibly even a close 3rd set tie-break :)
Kinda cool that we get them back to back too, I am also excited for the extended version of the whiteout 305, if solinco decides to release it to the public
 
Interested in reading the reviews on this one, hoping to hear some more comparisons to the PS Project One7. In the TW review, Jason mentioned it reminded him of it. I loved the PS One7 and it was the one racquet that I thought was going to end my ‘holicing. But it turned out to be the one racquet that has ever given me arm problems, so I had to move on. I’ve tried many different frames since then, but have yet to find a suitable replacement.
 
Attention Talk Tennis Members:

What a great month for a playtest! We have a limited number of Tecnfibre TF40 305 16x19s available to playtest. We also have two grip sizes available- 2 and 3. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with a set of Tecnifibre Razor Code 17 and Triax 16 strings.

If you would like to take part in this playtest, please email discussadmin@tennis-warehouse.com with the following info exactly as laid out below. Please only provide the requested information (no extraneous comments, impromptu resumes, etc).

Email Subject: Tecnifibre TF40 305 16x19 Racquet Playtest
Name:
Mailing Address (one line):
TT Username:
Email:
Grip Size (select one: 2 or 3):

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by {check back soon}.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

(Sorry, this is my first post on here!

This looks like a fun racquet! I played with the TF40 305 18x20 and I really, REALLY enjoyed it. The flex and control combo were great together.

16x19 patterns are the better choice for my game as it stands right now, and I’d very gladly test it out. I’m pretty sure I just might love it.

⚡
 
(Sorry, this is my first post on here!

This looks like a fun racquet! I played with the TF40 305 18x20 and I really, REALLY enjoyed it. The flex and control combo were great together.

16x19 patterns are the better choice for my game as it stands right now, and I’d very gladly test it out. I’m pretty sure I just might love it.

⚡
I did demo both and I agree that for me the 16x19 best suited my game, let see how they updated the feel of the racket
 
Interested in any comparisons to the Vcore Pro 97 (310). I love my Vcore Pros with all my heart, but wondering if this gives that tiny bit more free power while maintaining all that control.
 
Always free to use anything.
Really?? I like that. I’m sure the strings provided will be good too

Interested in any comparisons to the Vcore Pro 97 (310). I love my Vcore Pros with all my heart, but wondering if this gives that tiny bit more free power while maintaining all that control.

This is just what I was thinking too. I use the green 2019 version and it’s phenomenal. That’s why I’d like to test out this tf40 16x19, so similar but so different at the same time
 
Really?? I like that. I’m sure the strings provided will be good too



This is just what I was thinking too. I use the green 2019 version and it’s phenomenal. That’s why I’d like to test out this tf40 16x19, so similar but so different at the same time
Since it’s a TF stick and playtest, it’ll come with a TF string so just depends if you like the TF string provided (razor code and triax).
 
Interested in any comparisons to the Vcore Pro 97 (310). I love my Vcore Pros with all my heart, but wondering if this gives that tiny bit more free power while maintaining all that control.
I play with that very Vcore Pro 97 (310) racket. I'm too interested how the Tecnifibre compares to that pretty awesome Yonex racket. It's great that this test allows one to string himself as I usually string fairly low.
 
Probably more free power with the tf40s
That’s what I’m guessing. To me, it seems like this has the potential to be the perfect combination of the vcore 97, six one 95, and pure strike. If it’s able to take the control from the vcore, the power from the six one, and the spin from the strike, it’ll be an absolute monster.
 
That’s what I’m guessing. To me, it seems like this has the potential to be the perfect combination of the vcore 97, six one 95, and pure strike. If it’s able to take the control from the vcore, the power from the six one, and the spin from the strike, it’ll be an absolute monster.
That would be an absolute mosnter of a racket for me, hopefully I do not get too hyped lol
 
Probably won't be selected since I have less than a 100 messages on the forum but figured I'd throw my hat in the ring nonetheless, seems like a great racquet for me. I would probably like it to be heavier but oh well. I'll get the chance to add lead I suppose, just not include that experience in the review. I've been hearing really great things about this stick, so excited in the off-chance I actually get to try it.
 
Another great 16 x19 offering - lots to like among the TF40, WhiteOut, Blade, and Pure Strike (among others). I feel like we much more of a nice selection now compared to a few years ago.
 
Probably won't be selected since I have less than a 100 messages on the forum but figured I'd throw my hat in the ring nonetheless, seems like a great racquet for me. I would probably like it to be heavier but oh well. I'll get the chance to add lead I suppose, just not include that experience in the review. I've been hearing really great things about this stick, so excited in the off-chance I actually get to try it.
i'd be curious to see a review with lead

what others have done is play with it stock long enough to do a review and then do another review with modifications such as grip change, lead, putty, silicone, streamers
 
i'd be curious to see a review with lead

what others have done is play with it stock long enough to do a review and then do another review with modifications such as grip change, lead, putty, silicone, streamers
It would be nice if the chosen testers does this. Customization varies player to player, but still a nice input to anybody that will not have an access to demoing
 
Very interesting and like a few mentioned above, would be a great comparison test with the Solinco racquet playtest.
 
Where does the Blade V7/V8 16x19 fall within the 305g and these two for you?

Havent tried the v8 but tried all the previous 16x19 blades. Ive got the blades somewhere in the middle between the two.

the TF40 is on the demanding side of that spectrum. definitely one of the two most demanding 305g 16x19 sticks i've hit with. the other one being the blade pro for different reasons. it's got the tightest 16x19 i've seen in a 98" frame. this isn't the same open string pattern as the TF315 LTDs or TF300 RS. it's got a smaller than average sweetspot. the stringbed is a bit bipolar in the sense that the sweetspot is very clearly defined and anywhere outside of that is much less pleasant (similar to the 2021 radical mp). launch angle is predictably very low, but power level is a tad higher than expected. feel is obviously subjective, but i can only describe it as equal parts modern, classic, and hollow. i still think this is more competitive against the 18x20 offerings than other 16x19 sticks. my pair was fairly close to factory specs, but i'm curious to see how much QC variances influence folks' opinions on the racket. it's a good racket, but i don't expect it to meet the high expectations we're seeing on this thread.

the whiteout is the complete opposite. it's got this wide open string pattern and higher flex with tons of pop and spin and a really high launch angle. reminds me of the 360+ speed MP in terms of the ball it produces. it's like a pure strike project one7 with wider mains. it's very good at what it does, but just not my cup of tea.

going back to the blade, the blade is definitely less demanding than the TF40 (assuming SW isn't outrageously high) and is more consistent across the entire stringbed in terms of both feel and stability. i'm generally not a fan of the tight mains and open crosses like the blade and pure strike in 16x19 patterns (i prefer the 18x20 versions of both), but they're still not as erratic as the whiteout. among the 3 rackets, i prefer the TF40 or the blade, with a slight edge to the TF40 in 16x19 pattern versions. i'd choose the 18x20 blade in a heartbeat though.
 
that's fair, but you should see the QC variances on some of these TF sticks. makes wilson look like yonex
My WO was 322, so lower than TW but not terribly. My sons V7 blade 16m is 318 with 17g OGSM. Was so worried it would be high when he got it, but not so bad. Afraid to buy another though
 
Does TF rackets really have a bad QC? I demoed a couple but not really used one as a primary racket of choice

Havent owned a TF racquet but was really interested in getting one not just because of the rave play reviews buy I also like the look. One thing you will find in all the threads for TF is how bad the QC is and how much the racquets differentiate. It drew me away unfortunately.
 
Having both a stringing machine, balance board, scale and lead tape on hand, I'd be willing to do two reviews. I'd probably add a bit of lead tape to the handle to make it more head light and a small amount in the hoop to raise the SW.

I tend to gravitate to 16x19 string patterns. Looks like the TF would be a fun play test for me.
 
Does TF rackets really have a bad QC? I demoed a couple but not really used one as a primary racket of choice
Most of the big brands have a "bad" QC. There is no robust data available to determine which ones are better at this (except probably Yonex which has a good reputation in this area). For any given purchase, you can be lucky or unlucky. Whatever you chose (TF, Head, Wilson, Volkl, Babolat...), you better use a special service if you want to be sure to have several identical rackets or ones that are not too different from the theoretical specifications.
 
Havent tried the v8 but tried all the previous 16x19 blades. Ive got the blades somewhere in the middle between the two.

the TF40 is on the demanding side of that spectrum. definitely one of the two most demanding 305g 16x19 sticks i've hit with. the other one being the blade pro for different reasons. it's got the tightest 16x19 i've seen in a 98" frame. this isn't the same open string pattern as the TF315 LTDs or TF300 RS. it's got a smaller than average sweetspot. the stringbed is a bit bipolar in the sense that the sweetspot is very clearly defined and anywhere outside of that is much less pleasant (similar to the 2021 radical mp). launch angle is predictably very low, but power level is a tad higher than expected. feel is obviously subjective, but i can only describe it as equal parts modern, classic, and hollow. i still think this is more competitive against the 18x20 offerings than other 16x19 sticks. my pair was fairly close to factory specs, but i'm curious to see how much QC variances influence folks' opinions on the racket. it's a good racket, but i don't expect it to meet the high expectations we're seeing on this thread.

the whiteout is the complete opposite. it's got this wide open string pattern and higher flex with tons of pop and spin and a really high launch angle. reminds me of the 360+ speed MP in terms of the ball it produces. it's like a pure strike project one7 with wider mains. it's very good at what it does, but just not my cup of tea.

going back to the blade, the blade is definitely less demanding than the TF40 (assuming SW isn't outrageously high) and is more consistent across the entire stringbed in terms of both feel and stability. i'm generally not a fan of the tight mains and open crosses like the blade and pure strike in 16x19 patterns (i prefer the 18x20 versions of both), but they're still not as erratic as the whiteout. among the 3 rackets, i prefer the TF40 or the blade, with a slight edge to the TF40 in 16x19 pattern versions. i'd choose the 18x20 blade in a heartbeat though.
Excellent points :)
 
Took a look at this racquet at the TW store at Indian Wells, but didn't have time to try to get on the test court, line was too long. I like the older TF40 305 18x20, but the 16x19 looks very interesting.
 
Excellent points :)
It's weird how I feel the same, I am a baseliner with a topspon groundstrokes, but for some reason gravitatestoward 18x20 string pattern, demoed the tf40 18x20 2020 and I didnt really like it as it did not give me enough spin, compared to my blade v7 18x20, buut I am just excited over this tf40 16x19
 
I received this in a demo pack I ordered from TW a month ago. There were 2 racquets I immediately knew weren't for me (Rad Pro and the new Prestige Pro), 1 that I fell in love with immediately and purchased (BAP), and then there was the TF40 305. This is one that I liked a lot for my forehands but didn't have enough time with it to dial in my BH. I would love to have had some more time with it to see if it's something I could have adapted to as the accuracy on the groundstrokes was excellent. As @snoflewis mentioned it does have a very low trajectory for a 16/19.
 
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I received this in a demo pack I ordered from TW a month ago. There were 2 racquets I immediately knew weren't for me (Rad Pro and the new Prestige Pro), 1 that I fell in love with immediately and purchased (BAP), and then there was the TF40 305. This is one that I liked a lot for my forehands but didn't have enough time with it to dial in my BH. I would love to have had some more time with it to see if it's something I could have adapted to as the accuracy on the groundstrokes was excellent. As @snoflewis mentioned it does have a very low trajectory for a 16/19.
How did you find the feel and stability of the 16x19?
 
I grew up playing more traditional players' racquets in denser string beds, but as of late have been loving 16 x 19 string beds. I grown to like the higher launch angles, greater power and easier access to spin that comes with them. Currently, using a 16 x 19 Pure Strike and like it. It suits my game, but feel for what I gain, there is something missing too. I wonder if Technifibre's TF40 is the missing link? I've heard people say it plays more like an 18 x20 when compared to other Blades or Pure Strikes and that seems very very interesting to me. Another reason I'm interested to try this stick is that I heard it feels solid - that is something missing from the Pure Strike IMO. I am hoping TF's RS Sharp constant beam with "foam inside" can deliver that solid feeling dialed in feeling without losing maneuverability. It looks great - clean and fresh so I'm sold on that already. Still, after seeing what everyone has been saying about Solinco's new WhiteOut the TF40 has definitely got some competition!
 
I'm curious to see as to how open or tight the 16x19, plus the maneuverability of a 98 sq in head plus the feel and stability (?) from the foam and beam construction.
 
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