Weight
85g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
150x159
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
CK-2
Reactor CK-2 Carbon is an offensive table tennis blade that masterfully balances speed and control at an accessible price. Its 7-ply hybrid construction, featuring five wood layers and two carbon layers, creates a large sweet spot and stable feel ideal for fast, spin-oriented attacks and loops. The blade feels lightweight and agile, offering a responsive touch that blends the power of carbon with the sensitivity of wood. Available in both Flared and Chinese Penhold handles, it caters to a wide range of player styles seeking a dynamic, budget-friendly offensive tool.
The 7-ply structure alternates wood and carbon from the outside in: Koto, Ayous, Birch Black, Carbon (core), Birch Black, Ayous, Koto. This sandwich places carbon near the core, providing stiffness and power while the wood layers offer flexibility and a traditional feel for enhanced control and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Reactor CK-2 Carbon is a fast offensive blade where the carbon layers deliver significant power for quick drives and attacks. It sits firmly in the higher speed spectrum, ideal for aggressive play styles. While very fast, it's often noted as being a touch slower than the absolute top-tier carbon blades, providing a manageable pace for developing attackers.
Despite its offensive nature, this blade earns high marks for control. The wood and carbon ply combination provides excellent stability and a good feel, allowing players to execute precise shots, blocks, and defensive maneuvers with confidence. This balance makes it effective for maintaining control during fast rallies.
The blade offers a distinctive medium-hard feel that blends carbon and wood characteristics. It provides a familiar carbon crispness but with a pleasant amount of vibration that enhances touch, particularly for looping. It's not overly stiff, allowing for a good sense of the ball on impact.
Reactor CK-2 Carbon facilitates effective topspin play with a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic helps in generating good arc on loops, especially from mid-distance, making it well-suited for spin-oriented attackers.
The combination of wood plies with carbon layers provides a very good dwell time. This allows for effective brush contact and strong spin generation on serves and topspin loops, making it a capable tool for spin-oriented play.
The blade strikes a balance between stiffness and flex. It has a solid, slightly stiff foundation from the carbon for power, but enough flex from the wood layers to provide good feel and touch for varied offensive strokes.
Vibration is present at a moderate level. Some players find this adds to the blade's feel and feedback, while others note it's not excessive, which contributes to its overall stability and control during play.
Players report surprisingly good build quality for the price, with neat finishes and a solid, reliable feel. The blade doesn't feel cheaply made and often comes factory sealed, which is a nice touch. It represents excellent value, offering a premium experience without the premium cost.
Technology
The Reactor CK-2 Carbon utilizes a 7-ply hybrid construction with five wood layers and two carbon fiber layers. This design leverages carbon for speed, stiffness, and an enlarged sweet spot, while the wood plies provide the flexibility, feel, and control necessary for spin generation. The goal is a lightweight yet powerful blade that feels responsive and is suitable for aggressive, spin-oriented gameplay. Manufacturing from China ensures cost-effectiveness, and blades are typically factory sealed for protection.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Many players find the Reactor CK-2 Carbon offers a remarkably similar feel and performance profile to the Butterfly Viscaria at a significantly lower cost. It's often described as being one notch slower, making it an excellent and more accessible alternative for those who desire a premium carbon blade experience without the associated price tag.