Weight
79g
Thickness
12mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
171x162
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
SuperBalsa II (2)
Giant Dragon SuperBalsa II (2) stands out as a unique table tennis blade built around an exceptionally thick balsa wood core. This 5-ply all-wood construction results in a remarkably lightweight and oversized platform, delivering a soft, cushioned feel with substantial dwell time. It's particularly favored by players using long pimples, offering excellent control for blocking, chopping, and spin-oriented play. The blade provides good quality and finish for its price, making it a distinctive choice for defenders and combination players who prioritize touch and precision over raw power.
A 5-ply all-wood construction featuring an exceptionally thick 12mm balsa core at its center. This core is the defining characteristic, providing the blade's light weight, soft feel, and significant dwell time that benefits players using long pimples and control-oriented styles.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
While manufacturer ratings suggest an OFF+ speed, the thick, soft balsa core moderates the pace with a flexible, dwell-heavy feel. It provides good power for hitting and counter-hitting, especially with modern tensor rubbers, but its speed is more controllable and nuanced than a pure offensive blade, blending power with a forgiving touch.
Control is a standout feature, thanks to the soft balsa core that provides excellent feel and substantial dwell time. This makes blocking, chopping, and delicate short game maneuvers highly predictable. The blade's flexibility and inherent softness give players ample time to control ball placement and spin, offering a high level of precision.
The dominant sensation is a soft, cushioned feel directly attributed to the thick balsa wood core. Impact feels forgiving and connected, providing clear feedback that's crucial for players who rely on touch, placement, and spin manipulation in their game.
The combination of balsa wood and the blade's construction typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This can be beneficial for generating effective loops and clearing the net with spin-oriented shots, complementing a control-focused game.
Dwell time is exceptionally high due to the soft, thick balsa core. The ball stays on the blade surface longer, allowing for greater spin impartment and providing more time for precise shot control. This characteristic is a major asset for defensive and spin-focused playstyles.
The blade exhibits noticeable flexibility, a direct result of its soft balsa core. This flex contributes significantly to the high dwell time and control, allowing the blade to bend slightly on impact to absorb pace and help generate spin effectively.
Vibration is on the lower side, as the soft balsa core absorbs much of the impact energy, resulting in a somewhat muted feel. However, there's still enough tactile feedback through the handle to maintain a good connection with the ball during play.
Our assessment finds the SuperBalsa II to be of good quality for its price range. The construction is solid and reliable, with a well-executed finish. It's a durable blade that holds up well to regular play, offering excellent value for players seeking its unique performance profile.
Technology
The core technology is an exceptionally thick 12mm balsa wood core. Balsa is renowned for its extreme lightness and soft feel, and here it's used to create a blade that's both large and surprisingly lightweight. This dense, soft core is the engine for the blade's significant dwell time, enhancing control and spin generation. The 5-ply all-wood construction emphasizes natural material properties within a modern, oversized form factor. Quality materials and finishing make it a distinctive and value-oriented offering in the market.
Similar Blades
Hallmark Combination Ultra
Players report the Hallmark Combination Ultra being mentioned alongside the SuperBalsa II as another excellent oversized blade option. This suggests a similarity in head size and potentially in feel or playability for players who prioritize a larger hitting surface and controlled, touch-oriented performance.
Giant Dragon Kris Carbon
Our community notes the Giant Dragon Kris Carbon is sometimes considered by players looking at larger blades. While its construction differs with carbon layers, it represents another option within the same brand for players seeking an oversized platform, albeit with a potentially faster and stiffer playing character.