Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gladiator
Kosaka Gladiator is an Indonesian-made offensive table tennis blade designed for a wide range of players. It combines high-quality materials from Korea and Japan in a hybrid construction featuring a hard balsa core and carbon layers. This design aims to deliver a balanced mix of speed, spin, and control, making it suitable for powerful drives, loops, blocks, and smashes with minimal vibration. Available in standard, oversized, and a unique hexagon shape, it offers versatility and a stylish, functional playing experience.
The 5-ply construction features an inner core of hard balsa wood sandwiched between two carbon layers, with Koto wood as the outer plies. This setup aims to merge speed from the carbon with feel and control from the wood, creating a responsive and balanced hybrid blade.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Designed as an offensive blade, the Gladiator delivers solid speed suitable for aggressive play. Players report powerful drives and extraordinary performance, placing it on the faster end of the offensive spectrum. Its hybrid construction with carbon layers efficiently translates energy into ball speed, making it effective for attacks while maintaining a manageable feel.
Despite its offensive orientation, the Gladiator offers impressive control. Its balanced design and wood-carbon composition provide a stable platform for precise shots. Many players find it suitable for various styles, from looping to blocking, thanks to its predictable behavior and good feedback, making it a versatile choice for those seeking power without losing touch.
The blade delivers a medium-hard feel, characterized by a stiff and direct response. This provides clear ball feedback with minimal vibration, making it easier to sense contact and adjust shots. The sensation is firm yet not overly harsh, suitable for players who prefer a crisp, communicative touch.
It produces a low throw angle, favoring aggressive, flat trajectories. This is beneficial for players who prefer direct shots and smashes with less arc, enabling faster ball placement and making it easier to keep attacks low over the net.
Our testing shows a medium-long dwell time, which helps generate good spin and allows for more controlled attacking shots. This characteristic supports looping and spin-oriented plays by giving players a bit more time to impart rotation, enhancing the blade's versatility for offensive strategies.
The blade exhibits low flexibility, leaning toward a stiff profile. This rigidity supports powerful, direct shots and efficient energy transfer, making it ideal for flat hits and smashes. The stiff nature complements its offensive design by providing a stable hitting surface.
A standout feature is its minimal vibration, resulting in a clean, direct feel. This reduces unwanted feedback and contributes to precise shot execution, making the blade feel solid and stable upon impact, which many players appreciate for consistency.
Crafted with materials imported from Korea and Japan, the Gladiator demonstrates good manufacturing standards. It features a premium build with attention to detail, resulting in a durable and responsive blade. The finish and construction quality support consistent performance, aligning with its positioning as a high-value option for serious players.
Technology
Kosaka Gladiator utilizes an inner core construction with hard balsa wood reinforced by carbon layers. This hybrid approach blends natural wood responsiveness with synthetic fiber stiffness. The balsa core provides a distinct feel and quick rebound, while the carbon enhances speed, enlarges the sweet spot, and adds durability. Outer plies of Koto wood contribute to spin potential and overall tactile feedback. Together, this technology aims to deliver a balanced offensive blade capable of powerful, controlled shots with good spin generation.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
While not identical, the Gladiator shares similarities with popular hybrid carbon blades like the Viscaria. Both feature carbon reinforcement for speed and control, positioning them as balanced offensive options. Players looking for a blade with a stiffer feel and good all-around performance might consider the Viscaria as a benchmark alternative, though the Gladiator offers its own unique take with a balsa core and Indonesian craftsmanship.