Weight
90g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
154x144
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1
Donic Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1 is a hybrid offensive blade designed for players who demand a balance of power and touch. It integrates thin carbon layers with a carefully selected wood core to deliver enhanced dynamics and speed while preserving the nuanced feel essential for modern spin-oriented play. Developed with professional input, this blade offers a relatively soft impact sensation, providing clear ball feedback and a comfortable experience for dynamic attacking and controlled short game tactics.
This 5+2 construction features hard walnut outer plies for speed, two thin carbon layers for dynamism, and an Abachi core supported by Scandinavian pine inner plies for tension and power, creating a relatively soft feel with offensive capabilities.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1 delivers solid offensive speed, placing it firmly in the attacking category. The integrated carbon layers contribute to a direct feel and responsive pace, making it effective for smashes and powerful drives. While not the absolute fastest blade available, it provides ample power for modern offensive play, especially when paired with dynamic rubbers.
Despite its offensive nature, this blade maintains commendable control. The composite construction and softer feel provide good ball feedback, enabling precise placement and effective short-game maneuvers. This balance makes it a reliable choice for players who want to maintain tactical precision alongside their attacking strategy.
True to its 'Soft Carbon' name, this blade offers a relatively soft and cushioned feel on contact. The walnut outer plies provide crisp feedback without excessive stiffness, giving players a clear sense of ball contact while maintaining comfort during play.
The hybrid construction typically produces a medium-high throw angle that facilitates powerful topspin shots with good arc, making it effective for aggressive looping play.
The wood-carbon combination creates medium to long dwell time, allowing for excellent spin generation on loops and providing satisfying feedback during blocks and returns. This characteristic helps with control on short balls and passive play situations.
Compared to very stiff carbon blades, Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1 offers moderate flexibility that enhances ball grip and spin production, particularly during looping strokes. This gives it a more forgiving character than some competitive alternatives.
The Senso handle design can create a distinct sound on impact, suggesting a noticeable vibration profile. While present, this vibration isn't necessarily disruptive and differs from the more pronounced feedback of all-wood blades.
Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1 generally shows good build quality with careful material integration. Most players report solid construction and reliable performance, though a few have noted occasional variations in finish or durability that might affect long-term consistency.
Technology
Donic Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1 incorporates two thin carbon layers within its wood construction for enhanced dynamics. It features Donic's Senso handle technology with a hollowed design that creates unique feedback and a lighter feel. The blade reportedly uses a special Swedish gluing technique that may include carbon particles in the adhesive to improve rigidity between plies, resulting in a distinctive blend of speed, control, and playing sensation.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Dimitrij Ovtcharov
Dimitrij Ovtcharov played a key role in developing and testing the Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1, bringing his aggressive, dynamic, and spin-oriented playing style to the design process. His association during the blade's development phase signifies its intended performance for high-level offensive play, though he has since moved to different equipment.
Similar Blades
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon
Often compared as another popular Donic carbon blade with Senso handle, Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1 is generally considered slightly more direct and faster while maintaining similar control and feel characteristics.
Butterfly Viscaria
Some players note similarities in hybrid construction and offensive capabilities between these blades. Ovtcharov Soft Carbon V1 typically offers slightly more control and flexibility than Viscaria, though it may have less ultimate power and different build quality characteristics.