Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5.84mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
150x157
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Kirin K9
Loki Kirin K9 is a high-performance 9-ply hybrid table tennis blade crafted for advanced offensive players. It combines seven wood layers, including Ebony outer plies and a Kiri core, with two strategically placed 12K carbon fiber layers. This construction delivers a potent blend of speed and stiffness, ideal for powerful loops and fast attacks, while maintaining crisp feedback and solid control. The blade offers a medium-hard feel with excellent spin generation and minimal vibration. Available in Flared, Straight, and Chinese Straight handles, the Kirin K9 is designed to elevate the game of players seeking a dynamic and aggressive playing experience.
Kirin K9 features a 9-ply construction that combines dense Ebony outer plies with softer Ayous and a Kiri core, interspersed with two layers of 12K carbon fiber. This hybrid design aims to maximize speed and stiffness from the carbon while the wood layers provide feel, control, and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kirin K9 delivers exceptional speed, consistently rated at the OFF+ level. The 9-ply structure with dual 12K carbon layers significantly boosts power and acceleration, making it ideal for aggressive fast attacks and explosive looping. This design excels in high-paced offensive exchanges where raw power is a priority.
Despite its high speed, Kirin K9 offers a respectable level of control. The multi-wood and carbon construction provides good feedback and stability, allowing players to guide the ball accurately even during fast rallies. This balance enables offensive players to maintain consistency and execute precise shots.
Kirin K9 provides a medium-hard feel, resulting from the hard Ebony outer veneers combined with the stiffening effect of the carbon layers. This offers crisp, informative feedback on ball impact without feeling overly harsh or numb, giving players a good sense of contact.
The combination of speed and flexibility suggests a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for creating powerful, arcing shots, particularly during aggressive looping attacks.
Our testing shows a medium dwell time, which allows for sufficient ball contact to generate effective spin on loops and chops. This characteristic balances the blade's inherent speed, preventing it from feeling sluggish while still aiding spin-oriented play.
Kirin K9 exhibits medium flexibility. This level of flex contributes to its good dwell time, aiding in spin generation, especially during looping strokes. It strikes a balance between being pliable enough for touch and stiff enough for powerful drives.
Players report minimal to low vibration levels, often describing a clean and direct feel on impact. The construction effectively dampens excessive shock, providing a focused sensation without distracting feedback.
Kirin K9 is well-regarded for its solid build quality. The use of materials like Ebony and 12K carbon contributes to a crisp feel and durable construction. Some players note the edges might benefit from light sanding, but overall, it represents good value and craftsmanship for its category.
Technology
Loki Kirin K9 utilizes a sophisticated 7 wood + 2 carbon fiber ply structure, with the carbon being 12K. This hybrid construction is central to its performance, designed to deliver superior speed and stiffness. Loki emphasizes proprietary manufacturing technology aimed at enhancing natural wood characteristics while improving grip feel. The 2024 model is noted for a reported 10% increase in elasticity and an upgraded grip finish, all intended to provide players with enhanced power, precision, and a dynamic playing experience suited for offensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Wang Hao
Wang Hao, a legendary former world champion, is a prominent spokesperson for Loki. His endorsement suggests the brand's blade designs, including potentially the Kirin K9, benefit from his expertise in developing high-performance equipment that balances offensive power with precise control.
Zhou Yu
Zhou Yu, a member of the Chinese national team, signed with Loki in 2023. His association indicates that Loki products are competitive at the elite level, developed with professional standards in mind, which reflects on the performance aspirations of the Kirin K9.
Liang Jingkun
Liang Jingkun, a top professional player, has signed with Loki and uses his own signature blade. His endorsement highlights Loki's commitment to producing high-quality, professional-grade equipment, suggesting models like the Kirin K9 are built to meet demanding performance criteria.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Kirin K9 is sometimes suggested as a more budget-friendly alternative to popular offensive blades like the Viscaria. Both feature hybrid constructions with carbon layers, aiming for high speed and spin, making them suitable for similar aggressive, looping-oriented playing styles.
Loki V9
Some players note that Kirin K9 appears to be a visual update of the Loki V9, suggesting potential similarities in construction or performance. The V9 could be considered an alternative for those interested in the Kirin K9's offensive capabilities within the same brand family.