Weight
82.5g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
BalsaCarbo Fibre
Donic BalsaCarbo Fibre is a high-performance offensive blade that masterfully blends speed with exceptional control. Its unique 7-ply hybrid construction centers on a lightweight balsa core, layered with Limba and Koto woods, and reinforced with Certran Carbon. This design yields a blade that is remarkably light—typically 80-85 grams—offering outstanding maneuverability for fast, close-to-the-table attacks. Players appreciate its balanced feel, which provides enough dwell for spin generation while delivering crisp, powerful shots. It's a versatile choice for loopers and attackers who demand controlled aggression without sacrificing touch in the short game.
The blade is built in a symmetrical 7-ply stack. From the outside in, it features Koto wood outer layers for speed, followed by Certran Carbon for power, then Limba wood for feel, a central Balsa core for lightness, and then repeats symmetrically: Limba, Carbon, and Koto.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
BalsaCarbo Fibre offers high offensive speed, landing in the upper tier for attacking blades. The carbon layers and balsa core work together to provide a strong catapult effect, enabling powerful drives and smashes. It's fast enough to dominate rallies but retains a manageable character that doesn't feel uncontrollably explosive. Players report it excels in quick exchanges, allowing for aggressive play without the blade feeling overly demanding or unpredictable.
Control is where this blade truly shines. The carefully engineered ply construction provides a fantastic feel and stability, making it exceptionally easy to place shots accurately. It performs brilliantly in the short game, allowing for precise pushes and serves. Even during powerful loops and blocks, the blade remains predictable and forgiving. This high level of control is rare for a blade with its speed, making it a favorite for players who want to attack with confidence.
BalsaCarbo Fibre presents a unique, medium-hard feel. It combines the inherent softness and responsiveness of the balsa core with the firmness imparted by the carbon layers. The result is a blade that feels solid and direct upon impact, yet retains a slight cushioning effect that aids in dwell time and spin generation. Feedback is clear but not overly harsh.
BalsaCarbo Fibre produces a medium throw angle. This provides a reliable and consistent arc for loops and drives, making it easier to keep the ball on the table during aggressive shots. It's a versatile characteristic that works well with a wide range of rubber types.
The blade provides good dwell time, especially considering its carbon reinforcement. The balsa core and wood layers work to hold the ball slightly longer, which is beneficial for generating heavy spin on loops and serves. It offers a satisfying pocketing sensation that helps players brush the ball effectively for topspin attacks.
The blade exhibits moderate stiffness. The carbon layers provide significant rigidity, but the central balsa core introduces a degree of flex. This balance prevents it from feeling like a completely stiff board, allowing for a slight bending effect during powerful strokes that can aid in adding spin and control to loops.
Vibration levels are moderate. The carbon layers transmit some feedback, while the balsa and other woods absorb and dampen a portion of the impact shock. This creates a balanced feel that provides enough information for touch shots without being numb or excessively buzzy on hard hits.
Donic's craftsmanship is evident in the BalsaCarbo Fibre. The seven plies are fitted together precisely, resulting in a consistent and reliable blade. The finish is clean, and the handle options are well-made. It feels solid and durable in hand, built to withstand the rigors of competitive play. While not in the absolute premium tier, it represents very good value and reliable performance for its category.
Technology
The core technology revolves around its sophisticated 7-ply construction. A thick, lightweight balsa wood core forms the heart of the blade, responsible for its low overall weight and unique feel. This core is sandwiched between layers of Limba wood for a balanced response. Certran Carbon fiber layers are then placed between the Limba and the outer Koto layers. This carbon integration adds crucial stiffness and power, transforming it into a hybrid blade. The outer Koto provides a harder hitting surface for increased speed and spin potential. This meticulous material synergy aims to deliver offensive power without sacrificing the control and feel typically associated with all-wood blades.
Similar Blades
Donic Balsa Carbo Fleece
Often considered a sibling blade, the Balsa Carbo Fleece shares a similar construction philosophy. TTSensei experts note it is frequently described as being slightly faster and potentially lighter than the Fibre version. It may offer a touch more catapult and a different feel, making it a good alternative for players who want a bit more outright speed from a similar balsa-carbon platform.
Donic BalsaCarbo Certran Fibre
This is a closely related model that also features a 7-ply balsa and carbon build. Our analysis suggests it may be tuned to be even faster and harder than the standard BalsaCarbo Fibre. It represents a more extreme option on the same spectrum, suitable for attackers who prioritize maximum stiffness and power output above all else.