Weight
80g
Thickness
8.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Kris Special
Giant Dragon Kris Special is a uniquely engineered table tennis blade built around an asymmetric design. Its 5-ply construction features a balsa core, concentrated on the backhand side, paired with different wood veneers on the forehand. This creates a dramatic performance split: the forehand side delivers higher speed for aggressive attacks, while the backhand side offers exceptional control and a slower pace, ideal for defensive shots and spin manipulation. The lightweight balsa build makes it highly maneuverable, perfectly suited for modern defenders and combination players who leverage distinct tools on each wing.
This 5-ply blade features a unique layered structure. The construction is asymmetric, with a balsa core that is particularly prominent on the backhand side. The forehand side incorporates different wood veneers, while the backhand side is noted to be predominantly balsa. This specific layering is the key to its distinct performance characteristics, providing a faster forehand and a much slower, controlled backhand.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade features a pronounced speed differential between sides. The forehand side is rated at 8.5, offering good pace for attacking shots and drives. In contrast, the backhand side is significantly slower, designed to decelerate the game and provide a stable platform for control and defense. This dual-speed character is the blade's core identity.
Control is where the Kris Special truly shines, especially on the backhand side. The backhand offers exceptional stability for defensive play, blocking, and precise placement with long pips. The forehand side also maintains high control, allowing for accurate attacking strokes despite its offensive orientation.
Feel varies drastically between sides. The forehand offers a medium-hard, somewhat stiff sensation with direct feedback. The backhand, dominated by balsa, provides a very soft, cushioned feel that excels at absorbing pace and is ideal for generating spin reversal with specific rubbers.
Throw angle differs by side. The forehand, designed for attack, produces a medium-high trajectory suitable for effective topspin loops. The backhand, optimized for control and spin reversal, generates a very low throw to keep returns short and difficult to attack.
The balsa core and slow backhand side contribute to a longer dwell time, particularly on the backhand. This extended contact allows for better ball manipulation, spin generation, and control during defensive rallies, while the forehand provides a more standard dwell time for an attacking blade.
The blade presents a mixed flex profile. The forehand side is described as stiff, favoring direct attacks. However, the overall balsa core and softer backhand veneers impart a medium-high degree of flexibility, which helps in dampening some vibrations and contributes to the backhand's controlled character.
As a balsa blade, it transmits vibration noticeably. Players feel distinct feedback on every shot. This high vibration level provides clear tactile information for some, while others may find it too pronounced or harsh.
The build quality is considered average for its price point. While it delivers unique performance, some finishing touches may be needed, like reinforcing the edges. The balsa construction contributes to its lightweight feel but can also impart a sense of fragility compared to denser wood blades.
Technology
The core technology of the Giant Dragon Kris Special is its asymmetric construction centered on a balsa wood core. Balsa is renowned for its extreme lightness and distinct vibration profile. The blade is engineered with different materials and grain orientations for the forehand and backhand, creating a substantial split in speed, control, and tactile feel. This dual-performance design empowers players to switch seamlessly between aggressive forehand attacks and precise, controlled backhand defense, a defining feature of specialized combination blades.
Similar Blades
Giant Dragon Kris II
The Giant Dragon Kris II is a related blade that also employs an asymmetric design philosophy with different speeds on each side. While its exact construction may vary, it is similarly aimed at players who utilize attacking defense or combination play, making it a logical alternative within the same product family.
Giant Dragon Kris
The original Giant Dragon Kris blade shares the core concept, being a balsa-based combination blade engineered to offer distinct forehand and backhand characteristics. It serves as a foundational alternative for players interested in exploring this unique asymmetric playing style.