Weight
95g
Thickness
10mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
164x173
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Kris Carbon
Giant Dragon Kris Carbon is a uniquely engineered table tennis blade for players who demand different performance from each wing. Its defining feature is a carbon layer placed under the outer ply on one side, creating a fast, powerful forehand surface. The opposite side, built with a balsa core and different woods, offers slower, controlled play perfect for backhand defense and touch. This asymmetric 'two-speed' design, combined with an exceptionally light overall weight, provides a versatile platform for combination players who blend aggressive attacks with precise control.
The 5-ply construction is uniquely asymmetric. From the forehand side outward: an outer wood layer, a carbon fiber layer, a balsa wood core, a different wood layer, and another outer wood layer on the backhand side. This stack creates the defining speed differential, with carbon boosting the forehand and the balsa/wood combination controlling the backhand.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Speed is the blade's most asymmetric trait. The forehand side, reinforced with carbon, delivers high speed rated around 8.8, enabling powerful loops and drives. In contrast, the backhand side is significantly slower, prioritizing control for blocks and defensive play, creating a clear tactical separation between wings.
Control is excellent, particularly on the backhand side where it excels for precise placement and touch shots. The forehand side maintains very good control despite its higher speed, allowing players to execute controlled attacks and generate spin effectively, making the blade surprisingly manageable.
The blade offers a medium feel. The balsa core provides a distinct, communicative sensation with the ball, giving good feedback. It's not overly soft, striking a balance that supports both spin generation and clear tactile response, especially on the controlled side.
The throw angle is medium-high, particularly on the carbon-enhanced forehand side. This characteristic helps players generate powerful, arcing loops, while the backhand side may produce a slightly lower trajectory for controlled drives and blocks.
Dwell time is medium, facilitated by the balsa core and wood compositions. This provides enough contact time to impart spin effectively on loops and serves while maintaining control for delicate touch shots near the net.
The blade offers moderate flexibility. The carbon side feels firmer and more direct, while the wood-dominant backhand side provides a bit more give. This overall flex aids in spin generation and creates a comfortable, responsive hitting sensation.
Vibration is moderate. The carbon layer can introduce some feedback, but the energy-absorbing properties of the balsa core and woods help dampen harshness, resulting in a balanced feel that isn't too stiff or too muted.
The Kris Carbon generally features good build quality with a nice finish. However, players report occasional inconsistencies like blade warping, suggesting potential variability in manufacturing. It's a solid product, but checking individual samples is advisable.
Technology
The core technology is its asymmetric 'two-speed' construction. A carbon fiber layer is strategically placed beneath the outer ply on one side, drastically increasing rigidity, speed, and power for offensive forehand play. The opposite side is engineered differently, typically utilizing a balsa core and specific wood plies to maximize control, dwell time, and touch for defensive and short-game maneuvers. This deliberate design allows a single blade to deliver two distinct performance profiles, making it a versatile tool for players who utilize different strategies on each wing.
Similar Blades
Dr Neubauer Firewall+
The Dr Neubauer Firewall+ is a notable alternative, sharing the concept of an oversized head and engineered asymmetric performance. Both blades are designed to provide distinctly different playing characteristics on the forehand and backhand, catering to combination-style players.
Yinhe (Galaxy) Big Dipper
The Yinhe Big Dipper serves as another alternative in the asymmetric blade category. While its construction differs, it similarly aims to deliver varied playing properties on each side, making it a viable option for players exploring the combination blade philosophy without a carbon layer.