Intro

Advanced players will find tour level performance with the new Tecnifibre TF40 racquet line. This family was created to give players ultimate precision, ball control and stability so they can dominate the game. The TF40 305 is lighter than its big brother, the 315, but has enough head-light balance and plow through to end points quickly. It incorporates Dynacore XTC (Xtreme Touch Construction) throughout the frame for increased shock absorption and feel. Tennis traditionalists will love the flat beam construction, dense 18 x 20 string pattern and new Xtense grommets that enlarges the sweet spot on a smaller headed frame. As a fan of the Tecnifibre brand, I was intrigued to see what differences the new frame would bring to the table.

Groundstrokes

The TF40 305 was quite surprising off the ground. Although it has an 18 x 20 string pattern, I never lost out on spin or power from my strokes. The Xtense bumper and grommet system does an incredible job in creating a larger, cushioned sweetspot so you don’t have to feel like you need to be super precise on every shot. The lighter overall weight makes it very mobile and easy to get into position during transitions. The swing weight is on the heavier side (320s) but gives you enough plow through to keep the ball deep. Unlike most other 305g racquets, I did feel there was plenty of stability on hard hit shots. Whether I was returning serves or hitting groundstrokes near the frame, it never felt unbalanced or wobbly making it easy to whip through contact.

Volleys

The added XTC technology around the racquet head amplified the feel which came in handy for my slices, dropshots and volleys. Anytime I came to the net I felt confident putting the ball away exactly where I intended to. I never felt like the ball could get away from me since there is a more controlled feel at impact. Even when I was stretched out hitting wide volleys I felt in control of the ball and the frame’s easy enough to put back into position.

Serves & Overheads

I was thoroughly impressed hitting serves and overheads with this 305g frame. Normally I am used to getting too much power or too much control with similar frames in this spec range. The 18 x 20 pattern enabled me to get good precision when I wanted to hit flat first serves down the T. However, I was not limited and could easily generate racquet head speed to get extra kick/slice on my second serves out wide or to the body. I always felt confident going for a little extra power/spin on serves and overheads making it easy to dictate points.

Overall

The new Tecnifibre TF40 305 tennis racquet will surprise many advanced players looking for a precise and stable frame. It may be lighter overall, but will not lack in stability, feel, plow through and control. Though it has an 18 x 20 string pattern, players can get plenty of spin/power to keep the ball deep in the court.

Note: Playtest racquet was strung with Tecnifibre Ice Code 17G/1.25mm at 52 lbs.

About the Reviewer: Chris Virk-Brown currently works at Tennis Express on the Content Marketing team. He previously played at Neumann University and coached at the collegiate level for 3 years. He is an active USTA League and Tournament player at the 4.5 NTRP level.