Weight
86g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Matador Texa Balsa
Dr. Neubauer Matador Texa Balsa is an offensive blade designed for advanced players who value a unique blend of speed and control. Its core innovation lies in a balsa wood center, reinforced with synthetic fibers and hard outer veneers, creating a lively yet manageable playing character. This construction supports powerful topspin attacks while offering a softer, more forgiving touch than typical composite blades. A key feature is the specialized sealing on the backhand side, engineered to maximize the disruptive effects of pimple-out and Anti-Spin rubbers, making it a top choice for tactical combination players.
The blade uses a symmetrical 9-ply construction with a central balsa core for lightness and elasticity. This core is flanked by inner plies and synthetic fiber layers, all encapsulated by hard outer veneers. This complex stack aims to deliver composite-like speed while retaining unique feel characteristics from the balsa.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Matador Texa Balsa is a fast offensive blade, engineered for powerful, direct ball striking. The hard outer veneers combined with synthetic fiber layers create a responsive and lively feel, providing the explosive power needed for modern attacking rallies and strong counter-hits.
Despite its high-speed rating, this blade maintains impressive control. The balsa core contributes significant elasticity and a softer touch, which helps absorb incoming pace and provides excellent feedback. Players find it stable for precise placement and reducing unforced errors, particularly when paired with specialized rubbers.
The feel is distinct and somewhat complex. The balsa core provides a foundational softness and elasticity, but this is tempered by the hard outer plies and synthetic layers, resulting in a feel that deviates from a classic balsa touch. It offers a smooth, confident contact that many describe as more direct, similar to some composite blades.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for creating powerful topspin shots with a good arc over the net. This characteristic supports aggressive, looping-based offensive play and effective ball placement.
The blade offers a moderately long dwell time. The balsa core and specific layer construction allow for good ball contact, aiding in spin generation and controlled shots, especially beneficial when using rubbers that thrive on extended contact.
It leans towards the stiffer side of medium flexibility. The hard outer plies provide a solid, direct hitting platform, but the internal balsa core prevents it from being overly rigid, allowing for controlled looping and a responsive feel.
Vibration levels are medium. The blend of hard outer materials with the elastic balsa core transmits a clear, direct feedback on impact without being excessively harsh or muted, providing good tactile information during play.
Feedback on build quality is mixed. While some users praise its craftsmanship and attractive design, others have reported inconsistencies like uneven varnish, handle imperfections, or splintering. This suggests potential variability in manufacturing, which is an important factor for buyers to consider.
Technology
The core technology revolves around a multi-layered construction with a lightweight, elastic balsa wood core at its heart. This is strategically reinforced with synthetic fiber layers and capped with hard outer veneers to boost speed and stability. A critical innovation is the specialized sealing applied to the backhand side, meticulously engineered to amplify the disruptive, unpredictable effects of pimple-out and Anti-Spin rubbers by enhancing spin reversal. This design aims to merge the controlled, tactile feel of wood with the explosive power of composite materials.
Similar Blades
Dr. Neubauer Matador Texa
The original Matador Texa serves as the direct predecessor, sharing a similar hybrid plywood composition and target audience of offensive combination players. It is generally described as faster and more powerful but also slightly less rigid, offering a different, potentially more direct feel compared to the softer, more controlled touch of the Balsa version.
Butterfly Hurricane Long 5
Players report the Matador Texa Balsa shares a similar overall angle and feel profile with the popular Hurricane Long 5. The key difference noted is that the Matador may offer better control in the handle and can be a compelling alternative for those seeking an HL5-like experience with potentially enhanced performance when using pimple-out rubbers on one side.