Weight
90g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158.5x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Li Ping Kitex
Donic Li Ping Kitex is a 7-ply hybrid blade crafted for offensive players who demand a versatile weapon. It masterfully blends speed, control, and spin, making it ideal for a dynamic topspin game. The construction pairs hard Kiso Hinoki outer layers with unique Texalium composites and a soft wood core, creating a powerful yet surprisingly controllable feel. Developed in collaboration with Chinese National Team player Li Ping, it offers a distinct resonant feedback that bridges the gap between all-wood and carbon blades, excelling in powerful drives and spin-heavy loops.
This symmetrical 7-ply construction uses hard Kiso Hinoki on the outside for power and responsiveness. Softer Ayous plies and a Kiri core are layered inside for control and feel. The two Texalium composite layers are positioned to enhance structural strength and flexibility while contributing a unique resonant quality to the blade's feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kitex is consistently rated as a fast blade, solidly in the OFF to OFF+ category. The hard Hinoki outer plies and the reinforcing Texalium layers work together to produce powerful drives and smashes. What makes it special is that it retains a good degree of control for its speed class, allowing aggressive topspin players to maintain precision without sacrificing offensive threat.
Despite its high speed, Li Ping Kitex offers commendable control. The integration of softer wood plies and the unique damping properties of Texalium contribute to a predictable and forgiving feel, particularly in passive play and blocking. This balance is key, enabling offensive players to execute precise shots and maintain consistency during fast rallies.
Kitex delivers a solid, somewhat elastic feel. The hard Hinoki outer plies provide a firm base, while the Texalium layers add a unique resonance and a touch of softness to the composition. This creates a balanced sensation that is responsive for power shots yet offers enough feedback for delicate touch play.
Our analysis indicates a medium-low throw angle. While the blade generates good spin, the trajectory of loops tends to be more direct and flatter compared to blades with a pronounced high arc, favoring a penetrating attack style.
The blade provides sufficient dwell time to impart significant spin on the ball, especially during topspin strokes. This characteristic, often compared to ZLF blades, allows for aggressive looping with good spin generation, making it effective for players who rely on heavy rotation.
Kitex sits on the stiffer side of medium flexibility. This characteristic contributes directly to its speed and direct power, making it excellent for fast attacks and powerful drives. It's better suited for players who prefer a more immediate, linear response rather than an extremely flexible, high-arcing loop.
Texalium layers contribute a distinct, controlled resonance to the blade. This vibration provides clear feedback to the player, enhancing the feel of the shot. It's generally perceived as beneficial and not overly harsh, though some players with a preference for very dampened blades might notice it more.
The blade is praised for its high build quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Attention to detail is evident in the fine sanding and durable construction. Players report a premium feel in hand, with high-quality materials ensuring consistent performance and longevity. Our testing confirms it's a well-made, reliable piece of equipment.
Technology
Donic Li Ping Kitex utilizes a sophisticated 7-ply construction. The outer layers are premium Kiso Hinoki wood, prized for its strength and direct power. Inside, two layers of Texalium—a composite of glass fiber with a thin aluminum coating—are strategically placed. This material enhances the blade's strength and flexibility while adding a unique resonant feedback. A core of Kiri wood, flanked by Ayous plies, balances the structure, providing the control and feel necessary to harness the blade's offensive potential. This fusion of materials creates a distinct playing experience optimized for modern attacking play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Li Ping
This blade was developed specifically for Li Ping, a Chinese National Team player regarded as a promising talent post-2008 Olympics. The design, emphasizing a blend of speed, control, and spin generation, was tailored to complement his varied topspin game and aggressive attacking style, which he employed during his professional career with DONIC.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Jun Mizutani ZLC
Players report that Kitex shares a similar feel to the Jun Mizutani ZLC, particularly in terms of dwell time and feedback. The Kitex is often described as offering a bit more raw power and a more solid sensation on flat contacts, making it a slightly faster and more direct offensive alternative.
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon
Some users note a comparable responsiveness and feel between the Kitex and blades like the Nittaku Carbon Guitar. This suggests a shared characteristic in the blend of wood and composite, offering a similar balance of speed and control, though the specific material composition creates a distinct playing signature.