Weight
87g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
15x15.7
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Fanzhen
Kosaka Fanzhen blends advanced material science with a refined 5-ply construction to deliver a potent offensive blade. Designed for players seeking a powerful mix of speed, spin, and control, its hybrid wood-carbon composition enhances power and responsiveness. This blade provides excellent feedback, allowing for precise shot execution and aggressive spin generation while maintaining a solid, reliable feel. It's a testament to innovative equipment, built to elevate the game of intermediate to advanced players with its durable, consistent performance for intense matches.
The blade is built with five layers in a symmetrical outer-to-core arrangement: wood, carbon, wood (core), carbon, wood. This structure places the carbon layers close to the surface to maximize stiffness and power, while the wood core and outer plies provide the necessary feel and dwell for controlled play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kosaka Fanzhen delivers fast, offensive-oriented speed. The integrated carbon layers provide a direct and powerful response, making it highly effective for driving shots and powerful loops. This speed rating confirms its design intent for players who rely on aggressive, pace-oriented play to dominate rallies.
Despite its high speed, the blade offers remarkable control. The wood plies in its construction contribute significant feel and dwell, allowing for precise ball placement and managed aggression. Players find they can execute controlled shots and varied spins even during fast exchanges, making it a well-rounded offensive tool.
The blade provides a medium-hard, direct feel. The carbon layers create a stiff and responsive touch upon ball contact, offering clear feedback for power shots while the wood plies add a touch of sensitivity for spin and control.
It produces a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is beneficial for aggressive topspin play, helping the ball arc over the net with plenty of pace and spin, making shots more challenging for opponents to counter effectively.
Kosaka Fanzhen provides a medium dwell time. The wood layers in its construction allow the ball to stay on the racket face long enough to impart effective spin, which is crucial for executing heavy loops and controlled touch shots, balancing its inherent speed.
The blade exhibits medium flexibility. While the carbon plies create a stiff foundation for power, the overall construction retains a degree of flex that aids in spin generation and provides a manageable feel, preventing it from being overly board-like.
Vibration is on the lower side of medium. The blade offers a relatively clean and direct feedback sensation upon impact, which aids in consistency and allows players to make fine stroke adjustments without excessive shock or buzz.
Kosaka Fanzhen is built with good quality, utilizing selected materials. Our assessment notes consistent construction and reliable performance for its category. It provides a solid, durable feel that holds up well to intense play, offering strong value for players seeking a capable hybrid blade.
Technology
Kosaka Fanzhen utilizes a 5-ply hybrid construction with three wood layers and two carbon layers. This design strategically combines materials: the carbon layers are integrated to enhance stiffness, enlarge the sweet spot, and boost power for a direct, fast response. The wood plies contribute crucial dwell time, spin potential, and a nuanced feel for the ball. Sourced materials aim for quality, with this configuration engineered to deliver a competitive edge for attacking players who need both power and control.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Gergely Carbon
The Butterfly Gergely Carbon is a legendary blade known for its stiff, powerful carbon feel. Players considering the Kosaka Fanzhen might look at the Gergely for a similar offensive, carbon-enhanced playing style, though with potentially different nuances in feedback and control from its distinct construction.