Weight
92g
Thickness
6.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
V-5
Friendship V-5 is a 7-ply hybrid offensive blade built for aggressive players who want to dominate rallies. Its five wood layers and two Kevlar-Carbon layers create a solid, medium-hard feel that delivers powerful loops and stable blocks. Designed to balance explosive speed with reliable control, this blade excels in fast attacks and lets you dictate the pace of the game with precision and power.
The 7-ply construction follows a symmetrical pattern: wood outer layers for feel and dwell, followed by Kevlar-Carbon layers for energy, a wood core, and then repeating inward. This places the carbon fibers internally to boost speed while the wood manages touch.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
V-5 is built for high-speed play, earning a top-tier rating that reflects its offensive design. The inner carbon layers inject significant energy, resulting in penetrating drives and fast attacks that can overwhelm opponents. This speed is consistent with its OFF+ classification, making it a blade for players who thrive on taking the initiative and finishing points quickly.
Despite its impressive speed, V-5 offers a very good level of control. The wood layers in its construction help provide a stable, predictable feel that allows for accurate shot placement. Players report it remains maneuverable and trustworthy during fast exchanges, making it suitable for aggressive players who still value tactical precision in their game.
V-5 delivers a medium-hard feel characterized by a firm, snappy impact. The carbon layers contribute to this crisp response, which is excellent for direct, powerful shots. While some players note a softer initial touch, the overall sensation is one of solidity and quick rebound, ideal for an attacking style.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for powerful loops and drives. This arc helps shots clear the net with safety while maintaining aggressive speed and spin, perfectly suiting an offensive, topspin-oriented game.
The outer wood plies provide a decent amount of dwell time, helping generate spin on loops and serves. While the carbon layers prioritize speed, this construction still allows for good ball contact and spin potential, striking a balance suitable for offensive spin play.
This is a stiff blade, which is typical for offensive carbon-reinforced designs. The low flexibility contributes to its speed and stability, ensuring the blade doesn't flex much on hard hits, translating energy directly into the ball for powerful, linear shots.
Vibration levels are moderate. The hybrid construction, with carbon layers dampening some wood feedback, results in a direct but not overly harsh sensation. Players feel a clear, snappy impact without excessive vibration, providing good feedback on shot quality.
V-5 demonstrates a standard level of manufacturing quality for its category. Specifications like weight and thickness are consistently reported, indicating reliable production. Community feedback on build quality is mixed, with some praising its aesthetics while others note room for improvement, placing it in the good but not exceptional range.
Technology
Friendship V-5 utilizes a 7-ply hybrid construction with five wood layers and two internal Kevlar-Carbon (KLC) layers. This design strategically combines materials: the wood provides natural feel and dwell time for spin, while the KLC fibers add stiffness, speed, and a powerful 'second gear' for explosive shots. The goal is to maximize offensive power and stability for blocks and drives, without completely sacrificing the control and touch inherent to wood, creating a modern blade optimized for aggressive, pace-dictating play.
Similar Blades
Stiga Offensive Classic
For players seeking a classic all-wood offensive feel, the Stiga Offensive Classic is a popular choice. It emphasizes dwell time, touch, and spin generation, offering a different experience from the V-5's carbon-powered speed. It's a great option for those who prefer more feedback and a traditional playing character.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood provides a powerful yet controlled all-wood offensive experience. It delivers good speed and a high throw angle for looping, with more inherent flex and feel than a composite blade like the V-5. It's suitable for players who want offensive capability without the direct, stiff response of carbon.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is a well-regarded 7-ply all-wood blade known for its balance of speed and control. It offers a crisp, direct feel with excellent consistency, making it a reliable offensive weapon. It serves as a complementary or transitional option for players comparing the pure wood experience to the hybrid power of the V-5.