Weight
86g
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
KTL (LKT) No. 1 Hinoki Transformer
KTL No. 1 Hinoki Transformer is a distinctive hybrid blade designed for versatile play. It merges the soft, tactile feel of Hinoki wood with the power of carbon and the unique vibration dampening of cork layers. This 7-ply construction aims to deliver a balanced experience, offering enough speed for aggressive attacks while maintaining the control and dwell time needed for precise placement and spin generation. It's a compelling choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a responsive blade that adapts to various offensive and all-round strategies.
The blade uses a symmetrical 7-ply construction. From the outside in, it features Hinoki outer layers, followed by carbon, cork, a central kiri core, then cork, carbon, and Hinoki again. This 5+2 design places the carbon layers inside to boost stiffness and speed, while the outer Hinoki and internal cork focus on enhancing feel and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
KTL No. 1 Hinoki Transformer provides very good offensive speed, though it may feel more moderate than some carbon blades. The hybrid construction with carbon layers delivers a solid, powerful base for smashes and drives. However, the presence of the softer Hinoki outer plies and cork layers tempers the raw explosiveness, resulting in a speed that is controllable and well-suited for building rallies and consistent attacking play.
Control is a strong point for this blade, thanks to its thoughtful material selection. The Hinoki outer plies offer excellent ball feel and sensitivity, while the cork layers help absorb excess vibration. This combination gives players a high degree of accuracy for ball placement, making it reliable in fast exchanges, for short game tactics, and when executing controlled opening loops.
The blade delivers a medium-soft, connected feel. The outer Hinoki wood provides a familiar, sensitive touch with good feedback, while the internal cork layers work to soften and refine the overall sensation, resulting in a comfortable and communicative playing experience.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for modern offensive play. This characteristic helps players generate good arc and clearance over the net on topspin loops, making it effective in sustained rallies.
Dwell time is notably good. The softer Hinoki outer plies and the construction allow the ball to sink in effectively, which is excellent for brushing the ball and generating heavy spin on loops, serves, and touch shots.
Flexibility is medium. The stiffness imparted by the carbon layers balances the natural give of the wood plies, creating a blade that is stable for powerful shots yet retains a slight flex that aids in control and spin generation.
Vibration is well-managed, landing in the medium range. The natural dampening properties of Hinoki and the specific inclusion of cork layers absorb harsh frequencies, providing a comfortable feel with enough clean feedback to sense ball contact clearly.
KTL No. 1 Hinoki Transformer offers good quality for its category. The use of standard performance materials like Hinoki, carbon, and cork indicates a functional and well-constructed blade. Build consistency is typical for products in this segment, providing reliable performance that meets the expectations of most club and league players.
Technology
KTL No. 1 Hinoki Transformer employs a sophisticated 5+2 hybrid construction. The core is a light wood, likely kiri, which is flanked by two carbon fiber layers for power and stability. Unique cork layers are integrated within the build to enhance vibration dampening and feel. The outer surfaces are premium Hinoki wood, renowned for its soft touch and ball feedback. This material synergy is engineered to offer a distinct blend: the carbon provides the punch for offensive shots, while the Hinoki and cork work together to deliver exceptional control, a comfortable feel, and increased dwell time for spin play.
Similar Blades
Dynasty Hinoki Carbon
Players report the Dynasty Hinoki Carbon offers a very similar playing profile but tends to be slightly stiffer and a touch faster. It serves as a good alternative for those who enjoy the core feel of the Transformer but desire a bit more direct power and rigidity in their shots.