Weight
92g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Kirin K3
Loki Kirin K3 is a 7-ply hybrid offensive blade crafted for beginners and developing players aiming to build a fast, controlled attacking game. It merges traditional wood feel with nano carbon power layers, delivering a faster rebound and enhanced stability for easier execution of powerful, precise shots. This construction strikes a balance between speed and control, offering a smooth pathway into competitive play. As an accessible and cost-effective option, the Kirin K3 provides a solid foundation for offensive development without overwhelming complexity.
This 7-ply construction features outer and inner Ayous wood layers for traditional feel, Kiri wood at the core for lightness and flexibility, and strategically placed nano carbon layers to enhance speed and power. The hybrid approach creates a dynamic offensive blade suitable for developing players, with the carbon layers sandwiched between wood plies for balanced performance characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kirin K3 delivers offensive speed rated around 8.0, making it fast enough for attacking play while remaining manageable for developing players. The nano carbon layers create a quicker rebound than all-wood blades, supporting both learning and executing fast attacks. While not the absolute fastest blade available, it provides ample pace for driving shots and developing an offensive rhythm without sacrificing too much control.
Kirin K3 offers decent accuracy for its speed class. The blend of wood and carbon provides clear feedback and a sense of connection to the ball, which is crucial for beginners learning shot placement and consistency. This level of control allows you to manage the blade's offensive capabilities effectively while developing your technical skills.
Kirin K3 delivers a medium-hard feel with noticeable stiffness from the carbon layers. The blade provides direct, clear feedback upon ball impact without being overly harsh, creating a good connection that helps players sense their shots. While outer veneers have some softness, the overall impression is of a responsive blade that supports offensive play.
This blade produces a medium-high throw angle that helps generate higher, spin-heavy loops ideal for offensive play. The wood-carbon combination creates a trajectory that makes topspin attacks more challenging to block, supporting an aggressive playing style focused on spin and placement.
Dwell time sits at a moderate 6.5, offering enough contact duration to generate spin on serves and controlled loops. The wood-carbon combination provides sufficient dwell for developing players to learn spin techniques, though it doesn't match the extended dwell of slower, softer blades.
With a flexibility rating of 4.0, Kirin K3 leans toward the stiff side. Carbon layers reduce flex compared to all-wood blades, creating a more direct feel that supports power generation for offensive strokes while maintaining stability during impact.
Vibration levels are medium at 6.0, with carbon layers helping to dampen excessive buzz while still allowing clear feedback. The Kiri core contributes to a balanced vibration profile that provides enough sensation for shot awareness without becoming distracting during play.
Kirin K3 earns a quality rating of 7.0, representing solid workmanship and materials for its budget-friendly price point. Players report good construction with occasional minor cosmetic imperfections on handles or surfaces, which is typical in this price range. While some questions exist about carbon layer consistency, the overall build provides reliable performance and excellent value for developing players.
Technology
Loki Kirin K3 employs a 7-ply construction integrating 'Nano Carbon' layers within a wood matrix of Ayous and Kiri. This technology enhances performance through faster rebound and increased power compared to traditional all-wood blades. The carbon layers improve stiffness and energy transfer for offensive play, while the specific wood selection contributes to overall feel, weight, and balance. This combination creates a blade that provides both power and manageable control, particularly suited for developing players learning offensive techniques.
Similar Blades
YinHe (Galaxy) N11+
YinHe N11+ serves as a comparable budget-friendly offensive blade with similar 7-ply carbon construction. Both blades target developing offensive players seeking a blend of speed and control at an accessible price point. They offer good value for players transitioning to more aggressive styles, with comparable performance characteristics and learning curves.
Palio Legend 3
Palio Legend 3 is another 7-ply carbon blade often compared to Kirin K3 for similar target audiences and objectives. Both aim to provide enhanced speed and spin capabilities for beginners to intermediates at budget-conscious prices. They deliver solid offensive platforms for players looking to improve their attacking game with reliable performance characteristics.