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Review: BUTTERFLY Tenergy 19

Author: Karel Malík

How does the Butterfly Tenergy 19 perform? We’ve put it to the test, and here is our in-depth review.

Hello everyone!

On March 1, 2021, Butterfly launched a new addition to the Tenergy family: the Tenergy 19. Thanks to the kindness of vsenastolnitenis.cz, I had the opportunity to test it.

Before we dive into the gameplay, I must briefly mention a few technical details. The concept of T19 differs slightly from other Tenergy rubbers. Butterfly used a new development sample, code No. 219, featuring pimples with a diameter of only 1.5 mm, placed as close together as the rules allow. This new top sheet configuration is, in my opinion, the decisive factor for its playing characteristics.

Butterfly explains that with this structure, the ball contacts a higher number of pimples, allowing the rubber to generate speed and spin more easily. However, I believe this truly shines only during powerful, aggressive shots or when dealing with a fast, spinny ball from your opponent.

The sponge is the classic Spring Sponge (36°), the same one we know from T05, T64, T25, and T80. This is interesting, considering Butterfly’s recent hits, Dignics 05 and 09C, utilize the more dynamic Spring Sponge X.

Manufacturer Comparison:

• Tenergy 19: Speed 13.2 / Spin 11.7 / Sponge 36°

• Tenergy 05: Speed 13.0 / Spin 11.5 / Sponge 36°

Butterfly claims T19 is slightly faster and spinier than their bestseller T05, with a slightly higher arc and longer range.

Testing Setup

• Color: Red, 2.1 mm.

• Weight: 96g (packaged), 70g (cut)—identical to T05.

• Blades: Moonbeam and Lin Gaoyuan ALC.

• Comparison: A brand new Tenergy 05 (Red, 2.1 mm), glued identically.

Performance Breakdown

• Speed: I feel Butterfly’s speed rating is slightly exaggerated for marketing. T05 feels comparably fast, perhaps even a tiny bit faster in direct comparison.

• Spin: Similar to speed—T19 is very close to T05. Both are phenomenal spin generators; the differences are marginal.

• Hardness & Feel: T19 feels softer than T05. On the Moonbeam (soft feel), the difference was striking. On the Lin Gaoyuan ALC, the gap narrowed, but T19 still felt slightly softer.

• Catapult: Noticeable and slightly higher than T05, yet predictable. The rubber doesn't "kick" unexpectedly; it accelerates linearly with your swing.

• Grip: That classic Tenergy "bite" is there, but T05 feels slightly sharper and more aggressive in its grip.

• Accuracy & Control: A huge plus for T19! It is incredibly precise for such a fast rubber. The control over the ball is significantly better than with T05.

• Arc & Range: I agree with the manufacturer—T19 has a slightly higher arc and more "depth" (range) than T05.

• Sensitivity to Spin: Definitely lower than T05. T19 is much more forgiving when dealing with the opponent's incoming spin.

Stroke Analysis

• Topspin: The strongest suite of this rubber. It’s easier to play topspin with T19 than with T05 because it is more "forgiving." While T05 has higher dynamics and is more dangerous for the opponent, T19 allows average competitive players to make fewer mistakes.

• Topspin against Underspin: Very easy and dynamic. The "heavier" the opponent’s chop, the better the T19 performs.

• Counter-topspin: T19 is slightly better suited for counter-looping than T05. It feels safer and more stable.

• Active vs. Passive Play: T19 thrives when you go aggressively against the ball. On "dead" balls without energy, it can feel a bit dull or imprecise. You need to be well-positioned and swing actively.

• Service & Return: T05 remains king of the serve (more spin), but T19 is still well above average. On returns, T19 wins thanks to its lower sensitivity to spin.

Final Verdict: Who is it for?

Tenergy 19 is an excellent alternative for the younger generation of players who play the "modern way"—close to the table, taking the ball early on the rise, especially with a strong backhand.

• For Competitive Players: It’s a more "tolerant" version of T05. If you lack the perfect footwork and explosive swing of a pro, T19 will likely be your friend, especially on the backhand side.

• For Professionals: Pros will likely stick to "sharper" options like Dignics 05, 09C, or T05 Hard, which offer more "ceiling" for those with elite technique.

In short: Tenergy 19 is a more forgiving T05 with nearly the same speed and spin. And that sounds like a great deal, doesn't it?

Karel Malík

Buy it here:

https://www.vsenastolnitenis.cz/cz/potahy/tenergy-19-10002101