Weight
90g
Plies
7-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Smirnov Ultra Carbon
Donic Smirnov Ultra Carbon is a hybrid blade built for aggressive attackers who demand a potent mix of speed and precision. Developed with Alex Smirnov, its 5+2 carbon composite construction delivers the power needed for the modern 40mm ball while carefully selected wood plies provide a surprising degree of control and feel. This blade is a dream for uncompromising offensive players looking to dominate rallies with powerful drives and accurate loops without sacrificing all touch for raw speed.
The blade features a 5+2 construction with five wood plies and two carbon layers. This hybrid design strategically places carbon between wood layers to enhance stiffness and speed while the wood core and plies work to preserve essential feel and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Smirnov Ultra Carbon is a very fast blade, designed for aggressive attacking play. The carbon layers provide a significant power boost, making it highly effective for powerful drives and fast topspin loops that can overwhelm opponents.
Despite its high speed, this blade offers a respectable level of control. Our testing shows the carefully chosen wood plies and special lamination process help manage the power, providing good feel for the ball and allowing for precise attacking shots.
Players report a medium-hard feel that provides a solid, crisp connection. This characteristic offers a nice sensation during attacking strokes, though it can feel firm during passive play, rewarding active engagement with the ball.
The combination of speed and stiffness typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for aggressive topspin shots that clear the net with plenty of pace and arc.
The blade provides a moderate dwell time. The combination of carbon and wood allows for sufficient ball contact to impart effective spin, especially noticeable during looping strokes where players can feel the ball on the rubber.
With its carbon reinforcement, the blade is on the stiffer side, providing a firm and stable platform. This stiffness translates into a direct, catapult-like effect for powerful shots with minimal flex.
Feedback is balanced, with the carbon layers contributing to a stiffer feel while the wood plies help mitigate excessive vibration. Players note that vibrations become more noticeable on harder, faster shots.
Build quality is rated highly, indicating a well-constructed and durable blade. It holds up well to the demands of aggressive play, with a solid finish that inspires confidence during intense matches.
Technology
Donic Smirnov Ultra Carbon utilizes a 5+2 ply construction, integrating a specific type of carbon fiber with specially chosen wood veneers. This lamination process is engineered to deliver extreme power and precision for the 40mm ball era. The technology focuses on balancing the raw speed of carbon with controllable playing properties, creating a unique feel that supports both power and accuracy for uncompromising attackers.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Alex Smirnov
Alex Smirnov is directly associated with the development of this blade. Designed to enable his playing style, the blade embodies the characteristics of an uncompromising attacker—extreme power and precision. It was crafted to support his rapid ascent in European table tennis, where his powerful shots became a defining feature of his game.
Similar Blades
Donic Waldner Ultra Senso Carbon
The Waldner Ultra Senso Carbon shares a similar 7-ply (5 wood, 2 carbon) hybrid construction and the 'Ultra Carbon' designation, suggesting comparable speed and power. However, TTSensei experts note the Waldner version often features a lighter feel and may place more emphasis on control, partly due to its specific wood composition and Senso hollow handle technology. The Smirnov version is generally viewed as more directly tailored for raw, uncompromising power.