Weight
88.5g
Thickness
8.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
164x173
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Kris
Giant Dragon Kris is a uniquely engineered table tennis blade designed for players who want different performance from each side. Its defining feature is a balsa wood core, which makes it exceptionally light and provides a soft, cushioned feel. The forehand side is built for offensive speed and power, while the backhand side is tuned for superior control and a slower pace. This asymmetric design makes it an excellent choice for combination players, modern defenders, and anyone who uses distinct rubber setups on each wing to execute varied tactical plays.
The construction uses a five-ply build with a balsa core. The outer plies differ on each side: the forehand side uses harder woods to promote speed and catapult, while the backhand side uses softer woods to enhance control and dampen the ball. This material asymmetry is the foundation of the blade's unique playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kris features a significant speed difference between its two sides. The forehand side is engineered for offense, offering a high catapult effect and good speed, typically rated around 88. The backhand side is considerably slower, rated around 65, prioritizing control for defensive play or use with slower rubbers. The Kris Carbon variant boosts forehand speed to 99, while the Kris Special offers a more moderate differential.
Control is where this blade excels, particularly on the backhand side. That side offers exceptional control, rated around 95-97, making it ideal for defensive play, precise blocking, and absorbing pace. The forehand side provides very good control for attacking play, rated around 90-92, allowing for accurate placement and spin generation. This balance gives combination players both offensive precision and defensive security.
The prominent balsa core gives Kris a distinctive soft and cushioned feel, enhancing ball feedback. This softer sensation is beneficial for control-oriented play and for players who appreciate a strong tactile connection with the ball. Some may find it lacks the crisp, direct feedback of harder all-wood blades.
The throw angle differs by side. The offensive forehand side likely produces a medium-high to high throw, aiding in powerful loops and attacks. The defensive backhand side exhibits a lower, more controlled throw angle, which is ideal for chopping, blocking, and keeping the ball low over the net.
The balsa core and the softer backhand side contribute to a decent dwell time. This extended contact is beneficial for generating spin and provides greater control in the short game, allowing for better ball manipulation and a more tactile experience, especially on defensive strokes.
Flexibility varies between the two sides. The forehand side, designed for speed, tends to feel stiffer. The backhand side, with its focus on control and the influence of the balsa core, has a softer, more flexible feel. This creates a unique blended flex profile across the blade.
Blades with balsa cores often transmit a noticeable amount of vibration. This can provide good feedback for some players, offering a clear sense of ball contact. However, players who are sensitive to vibration may find this characteristic pronounced.
Giant Dragon Kris is generally considered to offer good quality for its price point. The finish is often described as nice, and the balsa core construction is comparable to more expensive blades. However, players report that it can feel somewhat fragile, and many recommend sealing the edges to enhance its long-term durability.
Technology
Giant Dragon Kris technology centers on a balsa wood core, which is key to its light weight and soft, cushioned feel that enhances ball feedback. Its defining innovation is an asymmetric construction where the forehand and backhand sides are engineered with different material compositions. This creates distinct speed and control profiles: a fast, offensive forehand and a slow, controlled backhand. The Kris Carbon variant adds a carbon layer to one side for amplified speed. This dual-sided design allows players to perfectly optimize rubber choices and playing strategies for each wing, making it a truly tactical instrument.
Similar Blades
Dr Neubauer Firewall Plus
Kris is often compared to the Dr Neubauer Firewall Plus, particularly for its oversized dimensions and role as a combination blade. Both allow for distinct rubber setups and varied play styles on each side. Players report that Kris feels slightly faster and has a more pronounced speed difference between its two faces.
Donic Cayman
The overall speed profile of Kris is noted to be similar to the Donic Cayman, a respected 5-ply all-wood control blade. Both offer good versatility, though Kris provides its unique asymmetric combination of speed and control across two sides and is often available at a more accessible price point.