Weight
94g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
KTL (LKT) 168
KTL 168 is a fast-attack table tennis blade built for aggressive players who demand a potent mix of speed and control. Its 5-ply hybrid construction integrates special carbon layers to boost power and dwell time, offering a playing experience often likened to premium models but at a more accessible price. The thin, lightweight profile ensures comfortable handling and quick maneuverability, making it an ideal weapon for fast-paced offensive strategies and dynamic play.
KTL 168 features a symmetrical 5-ply construction with wood outer layers, carbon inner layers, and a wood core. This hybrid design combines the natural feel and dwell of wood with the increased speed and stiffness from carbon fibers, placed closer to the core to provide power while maintaining flexibility and tactile feedback.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
KTL 168 is consistently rated as a fast blade, designed for aggressive, fast-attack play. This speed stems from its 5-ply construction with integrated carbon layers, which provide the stiffness and power needed for explosive drives and smashes. Players report it delivers the pace required for dominant offensive strategies.
Despite its high speed, KTL 168 maintains strong control, making it suitable for precise drives and loops. The carbon integration is well-executed to avoid excessive stiffness, allowing players to place the ball accurately even during intense exchanges. This balance is key for aggressive players who need reliability in their shots.
KTL 168 offers a medium feel, striking a balance between softness and firmness. Despite its carbon composition, it provides good ball feedback and is easier to match with rubbers, avoiding the overly stiff or wooden sensation some carbon blades can have.
The combination of carbon and wood, along with good dwell time, produces a medium-high throw angle. This helps generate significant spin on loops and drives, allowing the ball to clear the net comfortably while maintaining offensive pressure.
Players report good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the rubber and wood for effective spin generation during loops. The blend of wood and carbon achieves this balance, enabling powerful, spin-heavy shots that kick away with speed and control.
KTL 168 shows notable flexibility for a carbon blade, contributing to its good control and dwell time. This softer flex makes it more forgiving and easier to handle across various strokes, offering a responsive feel that enhances playability for a wider range of techniques.
Vibration levels are medium, with carbon layers helping to dampen excessive feedback without making the blade feel completely dead or numb. This provides a controlled feel that still lets players sense the ball contact, suitable for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
Build quality is considered average, with some users noting issues like wood chipping during rubber changes, indicating materials and manufacturing may not match premium brands. For its price point, however, the quality is often deemed acceptable, offering solid performance without the high-end refinement.
Technology
KTL 168 incorporates a Special-Carbon technology within its 5-ply construction, creating a hybrid design where carbon fiber layers are integrated with wood plies. The placement and type of carbon aim to enhance speed and stiffness for aggressive play while retaining elasticity and feel. This approach is characteristic of modern offensive blades that balance power with control and spin-generating capabilities, making it a versatile tool for dynamic play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
KTL 168 is often described as having great resemblance to the Butterfly Viscaria, with similar material composition, playing characteristics like speed, flex, and feel. Players seeking Viscaria-like performance at a more affordable price point might consider KTL 168 as a compelling alternative.