Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
KTL (LKT) ST 008 OFF
KTL ST 008 OFF is a dynamic offensive blade built for modern attacking players. Its 5-ply all-wood construction combines Hinoki outer layers with an Ayous core to deliver a lively feel and excellent ball feedback. This lightweight design offers a compelling balance of high speed and precise control, making it a versatile choice for aggressive looping, driving, and spin-oriented play from various distances.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction. The outer layers are made of Hinoki wood, known for its lightness and soft touch. The inner plies consist of Ayous wood, which adds stability and a lively feel. This combination is designed to provide good dwell time and feedback for offensive spin play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a high speed rating, this blade lives up to its OFF designation, providing the pace needed for aggressive attacking shots. The lightweight construction contributes to a faster swing, making it highly effective for powerful drives and loops that demand significant ball speed.
Despite its offensive nature, the blade offers exceptional control, allowing for accurate shot placement and confident execution of spin tactics. The all-wood build with Hinoki and Ayous is key to this balance, providing stability without sacrificing the ability to generate pace.
The combination of Hinoki outer plies and an Ayous core produces a medium-soft feel. This offers a comfortable ball bite and direct feedback, enhancing the player's connection and touch during play.
Given its offensive nature and wood composition, the blade likely produces a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for generating powerful, arcing loops with plenty of spin and safety over the net.
The reported lively sensation and excellent control suggest a relatively long dwell time. The all-wood construction provides sufficient ball contact to effectively impart spin, which is crucial for offensive looping play.
As a modern offensive blade, it possesses moderate flexibility. This allows for beneficial flex during powerful strokes, aiding in spin generation and a catapult effect, while retaining enough stiffness for direct, crisp attacks.
The 5-ply wood construction typically delivers moderate vibration. This provides clear, tactile feedback on contact without being overly harsh or numb, contributing to a well-balanced and informative feel.
Players consistently report a positive playing experience with a notable 'live feel' and perfect control, indicating good to very good overall quality. The use of traditional performance woods like Hinoki and Ayous in its construction reflects a commitment to effective blade-making for serious players.
Technology
KTL ST 008 OFF utilizes a classic 5-ply all-wood construction. The strategic use of lightweight Hinoki for the outer plies, combined with a resilient Ayous core, leverages natural wood properties to achieve a specific performance balance. This traditional approach prioritizes a lively ball sensation, dynamic response, and a blend of speed with control, all within a lightweight frame designed for modern, spin-focused offensive play.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive
Players often compare the ST 008 OFF to the Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive. Both are 5-ply all-wood offensive blades renowned for delivering a similar blend of speed, control, and a responsive feel, making them suitable for comparable aggressive, spin-oriented playing styles.