Weight
80g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
5-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
KTL (LKT) 2828
KTL 2828 is a 5-ply offensive table tennis blade engineered to deliver a powerful blend of speed and control. Inspired by high-performance designs, it offers a fast, solid feel ideal for aggressive attacking play. The hybrid construction leverages carbon layers for power and wood for touch, creating a responsive platform for loops and counter-attacks. This blade represents excellent value, providing tournament-level performance at an accessible price point for intermediate to advanced players looking to enhance their offensive game.
The blade is built with a symmetrical 5-ply structure: wood outer layers, followed by carbon layers, a wood core, and then carbon and wood again. This sequence places carbon close to the surface to boost speed and stiffness, while the wood plies maintain the blade's feel and control characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
KTL 2828 is consistently rated as a very fast blade, a characteristic driven by its hybrid construction. The carbon layers enhance elasticity and power output, providing the explosive speed needed for dominant offensive shots. This makes it highly effective for players who rely on powerful drives and fast counter-loops to pressure opponents.
Despite its high speed, KTL 2828 delivers a commendable level of control. This balance is crucial for an offensive blade, allowing players to execute precise shots during fast rallies. The wood plies in its construction contribute significantly to this stability and touch, providing a confident feel that supports both power and placement.
The blade delivers a medium-hard feel, characterized by a direct and responsive touch. The carbon layers contribute to a stiffer, more solid sensation upon ball impact compared to all-wood blades, which facilitates powerful, crisp strokes with clear feedback.
KTL 2828 produces a medium throw angle, ideal for aggressive topspin play. It provides enough arc to safely clear the net on loops while maintaining a direct trajectory suitable for flat hits and drives, offering versatility in attack.
KTL 2828 provides a medium to long dwell time. The hybrid construction allows the blade to grip the ball effectively, aiding in spin generation on serves, loops, and touch shots. This characteristic supports a versatile offensive game.
The blade exhibits a medium level of flexibility. While the carbon layers add stiffness for power, the wood plies retain enough give to provide a degree of flex. This balance supports both powerful drives and shots requiring more touch and brush contact.
Vibration levels are moderate. The carbon layers have a damping effect, reducing the high-frequency vibrations common in some all-wood blades. This results in a cleaner, more controlled feel that enhances shot consistency without being overly muted.
KTL 2828 offers outstanding performance for its price, though the build quality may not match premium brands in every detail. Players report the handle finish can feel slightly rougher compared to top-tier blades, and there can be minor variances between individual blades. However, for its category, the overall construction and durability are considered very good.
Technology
KTL 2828 utilizes a 5-ply hybrid construction that strategically layers carbon between wood. This technology aims to synergize material strengths: the carbon layers enhance stiffness, speed, and enlarge the sweet spot for powerful shots, while the wood layers provide essential feel, control, and dwell time for spin generation. This design philosophy successfully creates a high-performance offensive profile, offering a compelling balance of explosiveness and touch for the attacking player.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Sardius
KTL 2828 is widely regarded for its performance similarities to the Butterfly Sardius. Both are fast, offensive hybrid blades with a direct feel. Players often consider the 2828 as a highly accessible alternative that captures much of the Sardius's aggressive character and power-oriented design at a more budget-friendly price point.