Weight
93g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
155x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Santoru KL-C Inner
Joola Santoru KL-C Inner is a 7-ply hybrid offensive blade designed for players seeking a powerful yet controlled game. Its unique 5+2 construction pairs soft Hinoki outer veneers with inner Kevlar-Carbon (KL-C) layers, creating a medium-hard feel that balances speed with excellent touch. This blade excels in generating spin and offers a forgiving, medium-high throw angle ideal for aggressive topspin play. With a balanced weight and standard head shape, it provides a responsive, all-wood-like sensation while delivering the stability and sweet spot expansion expected from composite materials.
The 7-ply construction follows a symmetrical sequence from the outside in: Hinoki, Koto, KL-C fiber, Ayous core, then mirrored back out. This places the composite layers internally, surrounded by wood to optimize feel and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Santoru KL-C Inner delivers solid Off+ speed, making it a potent weapon for offensive play. The inner Kevlar-Carbon layers provide the core power, while the Hinoki outer veneers add a catapult effect. It's not the absolute fastest carbon blade, but it offers plenty of pace for powerful loops and counter-attacks, striking a good balance where speed doesn't overwhelm control.
Control is a standout feature for this offensive blade. The inner carbon placement and soft Hinoki surface create excellent ball feedback and a forgiving touch. Players report precise placement on loops and blocks, with the blade feeling predictable and manageable even during fast exchanges. This high level of control for its speed category makes it very versatile in offensive rallies.
The feel presents a satisfying blend of softness and firmness. Initial contact with the Hinoki outer layer feels soft and forgiving, especially on touch shots. Upon deeper impact, the Koto and KL-C layers provide a firm, solid response. This medium-hard character offers clear feedback without being overly harsh or muted.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, particularly beneficial for loopers. The combination of materials creates a forgiving arc on topspin shots, helping to clear the net consistently and land the ball deep on the table, which is ideal for sustained offensive pressure.
Dwell time is notably good for a composite blade. The soft Hinoki outer plies grip the ball well, allowing for extended contact. This enhances brushing techniques for heavy spin and gives players more time to shape their loops, contributing significantly to the blade's control and spin potential.
The blade exhibits medium stiffness. It has a solid, stable core from the KL-C weave but retains some flex from the wood composition. This balance prevents it from feeling board-like, allowing for a controlled catapult effect on powerful strokes while maintaining consistency.
Vibration is moderately dampened. The inner KL-C layers and the multi-ply construction absorb some of the impact shock, resulting in a comfortable feel that transmits enough feedback to sense the ball without causing excessive hand fatigue.
Santoru KL-C Inner is well-regarded for its construction quality. The combination of premium Hinoki, Koto, and the KL-C weave results in a blade that feels solid and consistent. TTSensei experts note it offers good value, providing the performance characteristics of more expensive inner carbon blades with reliable build quality and finish.
Technology
Joola Santoru KL-C Inner employs a sophisticated 5+2 ply construction. The technology centers on placing a Kevlar-Carbon (KL-C) weave as inner layers, not directly under the surface. This strategic placement aims to expand the sweet spot and add stability while softening the typically harsh carbon feel. It's sandwiched between Ayous core wood and Koto inner plies, with premium Hinoki forming the outer veneers. This design leverages Hinoki's renowned soft touch and dwell time, Koto's control for looping, and the KL-C's stiffness for power. The result is a blade engineered to deliver composite-level performance with a sensation closer to a high-quality all-wood blade.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
This is a key comparison point. Our analysis shows the Santoru KL-C Inner operates in a similar speed realm as the Innerforce ALC. Many players find the Santoru offers a slightly softer, more pronounced feeling on the ball, which can enhance looping sensation, while the ALC might feel crisper and more direct. Both are excellent inner carbon choices for controlled offense.
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon
TTSensei experts note these blades share a philosophy of blending carbon performance with wood-like feel. They are often mentioned in the same controlled-offensive category. The Santoru KL-C Inner typically provides a bit more direct speed and a firmer core, while the Acoustic Carbon emphasizes a unique vibrational feel and touch. Both succeed in making carbon accessible to players who prioritize feedback.