FiberTec Classic

Weight

83g

Thickness

5.4mm

Plies

7-ply

Handles

FL / ST

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Adidas

FiberTec Classic

2014

Adidas FiberTec Classic is engineered for the close-to-table topspin player, blending traditional wood feel with modern performance. Its hybrid construction incorporates Aramid Carbon fibers for a subtle power boost and enhanced acceleration without sacrificing flexibility. Outer Akazie wood layers contribute to a sensitive touch and a distinct, clear sound upon ball impact. This blade offers exceptional spin capability and a natural feel, allowing players to maintain high precision and control during intense rallies, making it a well-rounded choice for aggressive offensive play.

7-Ply Construction

This 5+2 ply construction features a soft Aramid Carbon fiber layer sandwiched between wood plies, with Akazie wood as the outer layer. This hybrid construction aims to provide both the feel of a traditional wood blade and the added power and stiffness from the carbon fiber. The specific arrangement suggests an emphasis on outer-ply sensitivity and a direct transfer of energy.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
9.0

FiberTec Classic is rated highly for speed, generally placing it in the OFF to OFF+ category. The Aramid Carbon layers contribute to its offensive capabilities, allowing for powerful shots, especially for close-to-table topspin play. While not the absolute fastest blade, it offers sufficient speed for aggressive play.

Control
7.0

Control is a standout feature of the FiberTec Classic. Players consistently praise its excellent feedback and ability to maintain precision even at high speeds. The blade's dwell time and flexible construction allow for controlled placement and effective blocking, making it a forgiving option for offensive players.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

FiberTec Classic offers a feeling that blends traditional wood with the crispness of carbon. It provides good feedback without excessive vibration, allowing players to feel the ball on the paddle. Many players describe it as having a 'wood feel' despite the embedded fibers.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

The combination of materials and construction suggests a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for aggressive topspin shots, allowing the ball to clear the net with sufficient arc.

Dwell Time
8.5

The blade offers a good amount of dwell time, which is crucial for generating heavy spin. This allows players to 'brush' the ball effectively during topspin strokes, providing both spin and a controlled trajectory.

Flexibility
7.0

The blade is described as flexible, which aids in dwell time and spin generation. This flexibility, combined with the Aramid Carbon, provides a good balance of power and feel, allowing for a versatile playing style.

Vibration
3.0

A key positive aspect of the FiberTec Classic is its minimal vibration. Despite its offensive capabilities, it avoids the harsh or jarring vibrations often associated with faster blades, contributing to better control and player comfort.

Quality
8.5

The blade is generally regarded as having good to excellent build quality. Our testing shows good finishing, comfortable handles, and durable construction. The use of specific woods and Aramid Carbon suggests a commitment to quality materials and manufacturing.

Technology

Adidas FiberTec Classic features a 5+2 ply construction, incorporating 'Aramid Carbon' fiber layers between wood plies. This hybrid approach is designed to enhance power and acceleration while maintaining a flexible feel and significant dwell time. The outer Akazie wood layers are noted for providing enhanced sensitivity and a distinct sound, contributing to the blade's overall feel and performance characteristics. TTSensei experts note a data-driven approach was used in its development.

Pro Players Using This Blade

Fan Zhendong

While Fan Zhendong is not explicitly listed as a primary user of the Adidas FiberTec Classic, Adidas has collaborated with him on product lines. Given his status as a top Chinese player known for his aggressive, spin-oriented game, a blade like the FiberTec Classic, with its emphasis on spin and control, could theoretically align with aspects of his play style, though he is more famously associated with other brands and blade technologies. There is no direct evidence of him using this specific blade in professional competition.

Similar Blades

Stiga Allround Classic

Stiga Allround Classic is a benchmark all-wood 5-ply blade known for its excellent control and feel. While the FiberTec Classic is a hybrid blade with more offensive power, the Allround Classic shares a similar emphasis on control and a natural wood feel, making it a good comparison for players transitioning to or from a more offensive setup.

Butterfly Viscaria

Butterfly Viscaria is a popular offensive blade featuring Arylate-Carbon, known for its speed, spin, and excellent feel. While Viscaria is generally considered faster and stiffer, both blades utilize carbon fiber technology to enhance offensive capabilities. FiberTec Classic's Aramid Carbon and softer construction might offer a slightly different feel and more dwell time in comparison.