Weight
87g
Thickness
5.35mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
16x15.8
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Firestarter
Sauer & Troger Firestarter is a defensive table tennis blade engineered for unparalleled control and spin. Developed by pimple enthusiasts Sebastian Sauer and Pascal Tröger, this 5-ply all-wood blade utilizes a special CBIF bonding technique to create a nuanced speed difference between the forehand and backhand, offering a slightly faster forehand for controlled attacks. Its exquisite, carefully selected veneers, combined with extended drying and storage, ensure consistent playing characteristics. The Firestarter excels in passive play, effortlessly absorbing powerful attacks and providing a secure feel, making it ideal for players who rely on precise placement, disruptive serves, and a strong defensive game, especially those using long pimples.
A 5-ply all-wood construction featuring Fineline outer layers and Ayous inner layers and core. The CBIF bonding technique is applied, which makes the forehand slightly faster than the backhand, enhancing controlled offensive capabilities while maintaining superior backhand control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Firestarter is characterized by its low speed, which is crucial for its defensive capabilities. The forehand is slightly faster than the backhand due to the CBIF bonding, offering a moderate catapult effect for controlled attacks. This lower speed allows for greater dwell time and control, ideal for defensive play.
Control is the paramount characteristic of the Firestarter. It offers exceptional precision and security, even with fast pimple rubbers. This high control allows for accurate placement and significant spin generation, essential for defensive strategies and disruptive play.
Firestarter offers a medium to medium-flexible feel, with a noticeable dwell time that allows players to feel the ball's contact with the blade. This provides excellent feedback for spin generation and control, especially in passive play and blocking.
Firestarter exhibits a medium-high throw angle, particularly on forehand attacks. This is attributed to the moderate catapult effect, which helps lift the ball with good arc and spin onto the opponent's side of the table.
Firestarter boasts an exceptionally long dwell time, a key factor in its high control and spin capabilities. This extended contact allows players to impart significant spin on the ball and feel its trajectory precisely, facilitating accurate placement and effective defensive maneuvers.
Firestarter is considered a flexible blade, a characteristic that contributes significantly to its high dwell time and control. This flexibility allows for a more forgiving playing experience and aids in generating spin and executing precise defensive shots.
Vibration is moderate, allowing for a good feel of the ball without being overly harsh or numb. The blade's design prioritizes control and security, which involves a well-managed vibration feedback rather than extreme stiffness or excessive buzz.
Firestarter is constructed using carefully selected, exquisite veneers that are subjected to extended storage and drying periods. This process ensures the blade maintains its playing characteristics over time. The specialized CBIF bonding further contributes to its quality and unique performance. Players report high satisfaction with the build quality.
Technology
Sauer & Troger Firestarter features a unique CBIF (Controlled Bonding and Inner Fiber) bonding technique, which is central to its performance. This method creates a subtle difference in speed between the forehand and backhand sides. The wood veneers are also meticulously selected and undergo a prolonged storage and drying process. This ensures that the blade's inherent playing characteristics, particularly its exceptional control and flexibility, remain consistent throughout its lifespan and are available to the player from the outset.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Extra
Yasaka Sweden Extra is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade known for its excellent control and feel, often recommended for defensive players and those developing their technique. While it doesn't feature the specialized CBIF bonding of the Firestarter, its balanced speed, high control, and good dwell time make it a comparable option for players seeking a solid, control-oriented blade for defensive play and developing spin.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood is another 5-ply all-wood blade that emphasizes control and feel, suitable for defensive and all-around players. It offers a good balance of speed and control, with a satisfying dwell time for spin generation, similar to the Firestarter's strengths in passive play and controlled attacks. While perhaps slightly faster than the Firestarter, it shares a similar philosophy of providing a secure platform for strategic play.