Weight
87g
Thickness
6.05mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
nullxnull
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
KTL (LKT) Toxic 5
KTL Toxic 5 is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for tactical players who master spin and demand exceptional control. Its oversized head and specialized ST tactical handle with notches provide a secure grip and enhanced ventilation. The lacquered finish and large sweet spot make it versatile for various rubber setups, including thin or no-sponge configurations. Prioritizing feel and dwell time, it's a premier choice for defensive specialists but also supports controlled offensive play with the right rubber pairing.
The exact wood types used in the 5-ply construction are proprietary to the Toxic line. This all-wood layup is designed to provide a soft feel and significant dwell time, which are critical for spin-oriented and defensive play styles.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
KTL Toxic 5 operates in the allround speed range, prioritizing control and dwell time over raw power. It generates enough pace for controlled offensive shots, especially when paired with faster rubbers. Our testing shows it's noticeably quicker than the Toxic 3 but remains a tool for placement and spin rather than outright speed.
Control is where the Toxic 5 truly shines. Its high dwell time and soft feel allow players to place the ball with surgical precision, manipulate spin effectively, and maintain remarkable consistency. This makes it exceptionally reliable in defensive rallies and delicate short-game exchanges.
Players describe a good, connected feel with noticeable dwell time. The sensation is generally medium-soft, beneficial for control and defensive play, though the exact feel can shift slightly depending on rubber pairing.
The blade produces a medium throw angle, facilitating controlled loops and effective defensive chops. This characteristic, combined with its dwell time, makes it excellent for spin-oriented play, with the exact angle further influenced by rubber selection.
Dwell time is a standout feature. The 5-ply all-wood construction is engineered to maximize ball contact, enhancing spin generation and providing superior control over trajectory and pace, which is a major asset for defensive and spin-oriented play.
KTL Toxic 5 offers a balanced, medium-flexible feel. This flexibility aids ball pocketing, contributing to the extended dwell time and control that benefit players who rely on spin and touch shots.
The all-wood build provides a moderate level of vibration feedback. It's not overly stiff or dead, offering a decent sense of ball impact that contributes to its overall feel-oriented design.
KTL Toxic 5 represents good quality for its price point, featuring a solid lacquered finish and a unique oversized design. Players report a satisfying build that delivers a reliable and enjoyable playing experience, particularly for its intended tactical and defensive style.
Technology
KTL Toxic 5 employs a design philosophy centered on tactical play and spin manipulation. Its core is a 5-ply all-wood construction where the specific wood types and their arrangement are a guarded secret, engineered to maximize dwell time and ball feel. The blade features a lacquered finish and an oversized head for a large sweet spot. A key innovation is the Special ST tactical handle, which incorporates notches for improved ventilation, secure grip, and as a tactile reference point for players using different rubbers on each side.
Similar Blades
KTL Toxic 3
The Toxic 3 is a direct sibling, offering a similar feel and control profile but with even greater emphasis on defense. Our testing shows the Toxic 5 is a fair bit faster while retaining excellent control, making it a suitable step up for players who want a bit more offensive capability from a similar platform.
Donic Defplay Senso
A well-known benchmark in defensive blades, the Defplay Senso shares the 5-ply all-wood construction and focus on control and dwell time. While both excel for defensive play, the Defplay Senso uses Senso handle technology, offering a different balance and feedback compared to the Toxic 5's unique tactical handle design.