Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Kirin K5
Loki Kirin K5 is a 5-ply all-wood blade built for players who want a harmonious blend of control, feel, and speed. Its classic construction uses Limba outer veneers, Spruce inner layers, and an Ayous core, delivering a solid, consistent playing experience perfect for all-round development. This blade shines for junior and intermediate players honing their technique, offering excellent maneuverability and clear tactile feedback. Recognized for its user-friendly nature, the Kirin K5 provides dynamic performance that makes skill refinement both effective and enjoyable.
This symmetrical 5-ply construction is a classic design prioritizing natural feel, good flex, and dwell time. Limba outer plies offer a crisp touch, while the Spruce inner layers and Ayous core contribute to the blade's overall balance, control, and stability, ensuring a comfortable and consistent response across the entire hitting surface.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kirin K5 sits in the ALL+ to OFF- range, offering a moderate to slightly offensive speed. It provides enough power for controlled attacks and fast rallies, feeling relatively quick for a 5-ply all-wood construction. This balanced output is ideal for players who are building their offensive game without sacrificing predictability.
Control is a standout strength of this blade. The all-wood construction and moderate speed deliver excellent feel and predictability, allowing for precise ball placement. This makes it a top choice for beginners and intermediates focusing on technique development, as the ball response is consistent and manageable.
The blade offers a medium feel, providing clear feedback and a comfortable touch on contact. This allows players to sense the ball well and make fine adjustments during play, contributing to its user-friendly and responsive character.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for loop-oriented play. This characteristic helps in lifting the ball with a good arc, making it easier to clear the net and land spin-heavy shots effectively.
The 5-ply all-wood construction promotes good dwell time. This helps players grip the ball effectively to generate spin on loops and serves, supporting controlled offensive play without an excessively short contact.
Flexibility is medium. The wood plies allow a good amount of bend, which aids in spin generation and power absorption. This flex contributes to a comfortable feel across different strokes, from soft pushes to more powerful drives.
Vibration levels are medium. The all-wood structure dampens excessive shock, providing good feedback without being overly stiff or transmitting harsh vibrations to the hand, which adds to its controllable nature.
Build quality receives positive marks for its price point. The blade has a solid feel and excellent structural integrity. While minor handle finishing or weight variations are sometimes noted, the overall construction and materials are considered good, making it a durable option for regular training and play.
Technology
Loki Kirin K5 utilizes a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction, a design prized for its natural feel and tactile feedback. The specific layup of Limba outer plies, Spruce inner plies, and an Ayous core is engineered to optimize the balance between speed, control, and dwell time. This method emphasizes a consistent sweet spot and predictable response, which is crucial for player development and technical growth.
Similar Blades
Tibhar Alexis Lebrun ALL+
Both the Tibhar Alexis Lebrun ALL+ and the Loki Kirin K5 are celebrated for excellent control and suitability for developing players. Categorized as ALL+ blades, they emphasize a balanced all-round game focused on building foundational techniques. The Tibhar option generally carries a higher price, reflecting differences in brand and manufacturing, while the Kirin K5 is noted for delivering exceptional value with similar playing goals.
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (YEO)
Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (YEO) is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade often compared to the Kirin K5 for its all-round capabilities. Both offer a good blend of speed and control for players developing their game. While the YEO is a well-established benchmark known for its consistency, the Kirin K5 presents a more budget-friendly alternative with comparable playing characteristics, making it an attractive value-focused choice.