Weight
72.5g
Thickness
7.1mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
150x154
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Balsa Carbon
Neottec Balsa Carbon is engineered for aggressive offensive players seeking a lightweight yet powerful blade. Its construction, featuring two carbon layers sandwiching a thick balsa core, provides a unique blend of speed and agility. This blade excels for players who frequently transition between passive and aggressive play, offering strong blocking near the table and powerful topspin attacks. The exceptional lightness from the balsa wood, combined with the rigidity of carbon, creates a dynamic tool that adds power and speed without sacrificing maneuverability. It's a compelling option for the modern game, providing a good balance of offensive capabilities.
The blade features a 3+2 construction, comprising three wood veneers and two carbon layers. The central balsa core is a key component, providing exceptional lightness and softness, while the carbon layers offer increased speed and rigidity.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Neottec Balsa Carbon is an offensive blade with a strong emphasis on speed, attributed to its carbon layers and balsa core. It excels in delivering powerful topspin shots and fast attacks, making it well-suited for players who rely on quick, aggressive play. Our testing shows it delivers the high-speed performance expected from this construction.
While possessing significant speed, the control rating indicates a blade that requires precise technique. The carbon and balsa construction leads to a harder feel, which can make delicate control shots more challenging for players accustomed to softer, more forgiving blades. Players report it offers less control than some other blades with similar layer types.
The combination of carbon layers with a balsa core results in a feel that is generally described as hard due to the carbon, yet the balsa may impart a slightly softer touch compared to blades with only carbon and traditional wood. This provides good feedback for offensive shots.
Given its offensive nature and carbon composition, Neottec Balsa Carbon has a medium-high throw angle, facilitating powerful looping and driving shots.
Due to the presence of carbon layers and the inherent stiffness, the dwell time is moderate. While the balsa core might offer some softness, the overall construction leans towards a faster, more direct ball response rather than extended ball contact.
This blade is moderately stiff. The carbon layers provide rigidity essential for speed, while the balsa core contributes to its lightness but does not add significant flexibility.
The carbon layers can increase vibration compared to all-wood blades, but the balsa core's properties might help to dampen some of it. Feedback suggests a noticeable vibration typical of carbon blades, providing a clear sense of power transfer.
The blade is generally considered to be of good quality for its price point. However, the balsa core's susceptibility to damage from impacts with the table edge is a notable concern that can affect long-term durability. Many players find it to be a quality product, but care is needed to prevent delamination.
Technology
Neottec Balsa Carbon utilizes a 3+2 construction method, layering three wood veneers with two carbon fiber layers. This design leverages the exceptional lightness and elasticity of balsa wood for the core, while the carbon plies are strategically placed to enhance speed, stiffness, and power transfer. This combination creates a blade that is both lightweight for rapid movements and powerful for offensive shots, catering to modern table tennis demands where agility and power are paramount.
Similar Blades
Donic Balsa Carbon Certran Fiber
This blade shares the 'Balsa Carbon' designation and a similar offensive orientation. Both blades feature carbon layers and a balsa core for a lightweight and fast offensive playing experience. The Donic blade also emphasizes power and speed for close-to-the-table attackers, suggesting a comparable playing style and target audience.
Victas Black Balsa 7.0
Both blades incorporate balsa wood and carbon, aiming for a lightweight and powerful offensive performance. While the Victas Black Balsa 7.0 is specifically mentioned as a balsa wood blade, its offensive capabilities and likely carbon reinforcement make it a potential alternative for players seeking similar characteristics in terms of lightness and offensive power.