Weight
83.5g
Thickness
6.85mm
Plies
5-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Blutenkirsche Ice.Fire
Kokutaku Blutenkirsche Ice.Fire is a unique combi blade engineered for tactical players who switch between offense and defense. Its asymmetric design features a faster, carbon-reinforced forehand side for powerful loops and smashes, paired with a slower, controlled backhand side ideal for blocks, chops, and disruptive play with pips-out rubbers. This hybrid construction offers a dynamic blend of speed and precision, making it a versatile choice for intermediate to advanced players who value strategic versatility and a distinct feel on each wing.
The blade features a 5-ply hybrid construction. The layers consist of Ayous and Pine wood plies with a central Carbon fiber layer, followed by Ayous and a unique Cork core. This structure is crucial: the carbon contributes to the forehand speed, while the cork layer enhances control and dwell time, especially on the backhand, creating the blade's distinct dual personality.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The forehand side delivers significant speed for powerful loops, smashes, and counter-hits, placing it in the OFF- category. This speed is a direct result of the integrated carbon layer, providing the punch needed for offensive play. The backhand side is deliberately slower, emphasizing control over raw pace.
Control is where this blade truly shines, particularly on the backhand side, which is rated exceptionally high for precise blocking, chopping, and placement. The forehand maintains good control for an offensive wing, but the overall rating reflects the blade's expertly balanced nature, giving players confidence in both driving attacks and delicate touch shots.
The feel is distinctly different per side due to the combi design. The carbon-reinforced forehand offers a stiffer, more direct and medium-hard feel for powerful shots. The controlled backhand, aided by wood and cork layers, provides a softer, more sensitive connection ideal for touch and disruptive play.
The throw angle varies by side. The faster forehand typically produces a medium-high arc for powerful, looping attacks. The controlled backhand favors a more medium trajectory, allowing for precise placement, flat drives, and consistent blocks.
The blade provides a medium to long dwell time, especially on the control-oriented backhand. This is facilitated by the wood construction and the cork layer, allowing for better ball grip, enhanced spin generation, and superior control for defensive shots.
This is a stiffer blade overall, particularly on the forehand side, which contributes to its speed and direct response. The backhand may exhibit slightly more flex to aid control, but the primary characteristic is a firm, stable platform.
The combination of wood plies, a composite layer, and a cork core manages vibration effectively. Players report a good, connected feel to the ball without excessive harshness, contributing to the overall control and stability, particularly on the backhand side.
Kokutaku Blutenkirsche Ice.Fire is widely recognized for offering excellent value. Our assessment finds it provides good build quality and material standards for its price segment, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for players seeking specialized performance without a premium investment.
Technology
Kokutaku Blutenkirsche Ice.Fire utilizes a dedicated combi-blade design, engineering asymmetrical properties into a single racket. This is achieved through a specific hybrid layer construction that integrates a carbon composite within the wood plies. This technology creates a significantly faster forehand side optimized for aggressive attacks, while the backhand side is tuned for enhanced control and precision, ideal for pips-out rubbers. The design goal is to provide a seamless transition between offensive power and defensive stability, catering to players who employ a tactical, two-style game.
Similar Blades
Yin-he N11
The Yin-he N11 is often mentioned as a similar blade, offering a comparable blend of control and offensive capability, likely with combi properties. Players note the Kokutaku Ice.Fire may feel slightly softer and offer a touch more control, but both cater to players seeking a versatile, tactical blade that supports different styles on each wing.