Weight
85g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x148
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Fortino Force
Tibhar Fortino Force is a 7-ply hybrid offensive blade engineered for aggressive topspin play, delivering a direct and precise feel. Its innovative core integrates Dyneema® Carbon fiber fabric between wood plies, boosting speed and power while minimizing vibrations for a uniform bounce. This construction creates a powerful tool for uncompromising attackers who value a direct playing style, yet it retains commendable control for nuanced strokes. It stands as a formidable option for players seeking to compete with the speed of outer fiber blades while enjoying the unique feel of a core-reinforced design.
The blade features a symmetrical 5+2 ply construction. Two layers of Dyneema® Carbon fiber are placed as inner layers, specifically between the second and third wood plies and between the fourth and fifth wood plies, effectively sandwiching the central wood core. This inner fiber placement is key to its direct feel, power, and vibration control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Fortino Force delivers high speed, a characteristic central to its design. The hybrid construction with inner Dyneema® Carbon layers provides significant power and a pronounced catapult effect. Our testing shows it stands out in its category, offering pace that competes effectively with many outer fiber blades, making it a top choice for players seeking maximum offensive thrust.
Despite its impressive speed, Fortino Force maintains a very respectable level of control. The integrated Dyneema® Carbon fibers help create a more uniform bounce and filter out vibrations, which significantly aids in shot consistency. Players report that good technique and focus are key to mastering its potential, especially in the short game, but the blade is forgiving enough for precise, sensitive strokes when needed.
Fortino Force offers a direct and crisp feeling upon impact. The sensation is characterized by minimal vibration transmission to the hand, creating a clean, solid contact. Some players note a surprisingly soft initial touch despite the blade's overall speed and stiffness, resulting from its unique hybrid construction that filters feedback while maintaining directness.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, particularly on powerful shots. This characteristic helps in easily clearing the net during aggressive topspin loops and drives, favoring an attacking style. Players accustomed to lower trajectories may need a slight adjustment in their stroke angle.
Dwell time is moderate, a typical trade-off for a blade with this level of speed and inner fiber construction. It allows for very good spin generation, but the contact is quicker than on all-wood blades. Effective timing and brushing technique are essential to maximize spin potential during aggressive topspin play.
The blade is quite stiff, a common trait of designs with embedded fiber layers. This stiffness is fundamental to its speed and direct playing character, providing a consistent and immediate ball rebound that favors powerful, driving strokes over flex-dependent looping.
Vibration is notably low. The Dyneema® Carbon fabric is specifically engineered to dampen unwanted oscillations, resulting in a crisp, clean feel with minimal feedback to the hand. This contributes greatly to player comfort and control, especially during prolonged rallies or on off-center hits.
Constructed with high-quality wood veneers and innovative Dyneema® Carbon fibers, the Fortino Force reflects Tibhar's commitment to performance-oriented craftsmanship. The build quality is generally excellent, supporting its high-performance characteristics. While occasional minor cosmetic imperfections have been noted, the overall construction is robust and designed for serious play.
Technology
Fortino Force utilizes an innovative 'inner fiber' construction featuring a specialized fabric woven from carbon and Dyneema®. This layer is strategically placed between the wood plies, sandwiching the core, which differentiates it from outer fiber blades. This unique placement is credited with delivering exceptional speed and power while promoting a uniform ball bounce and dramatically minimizing vibrations. The synergy between this advanced material and selected wood veneers creates a direct, crisp, and controlled playing feel that rivals the power of outer fiber constructions.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Eduard Ionescu
Eduard Ionescu's aggressive, modern playing style, built on dynamic topspins and powerful drives, aligns perfectly with the Fortino Force. The blade supplies the speed and directness required for his attacking game, while the integrated fiber layers deliver the consistent feel and power needed across all his strokes.
Andreea Dragoman
Andreea Dragoman utilizes the Fortino Force to support her offensive game. The blade's speed and power enhance her attacking shots, while its direct feel and consistent bounce aid in generating aggressive topspins and executing precise, powerful drives, helping her control the pace and rhythm of matches.
Similar Blades
Butterfly InnerForce Layer ZLC
Our testing shows the Fortino Force shares notable similarities with the Butterfly InnerForce Layer ZLC. Both are fast 'inner-fiber' blades designed for offensive spin play. The Fortino Force is often described as having a slightly harder primary feel and a sharper sensation at the edge of the blade, offering a distinct but comparable option for players seeking this performance profile.
Butterfly InnerForce Layer ALC
While the faster Fortino Force is often compared to the ZLC version, its sibling model aligns more closely with the InnerForce Layer ALC in terms of speed and control balance. For players considering the Butterfly inner fiber series, the Fortino Force represents a potent alternative that bridges performance tiers, offering a compelling blend of speed and direct feedback.