Weight
85g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
155x149
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Fortino Performance
Tibhar Fortino Performance blends offensive power with exceptional feel, creating a versatile blade for players who value precision in their attacking game. Its unique 9-ply construction integrates a Dyneema-Carbon fabric layer to enlarge the sweet spot and minimize vibrations. A Balsa core keeps the blade relatively light while contributing to a responsive catapult effect and clear ball feedback. Designed for modern offensive play, it delivers excellent control for both passive blocks and dynamic attacks, offering a sensitive touch that appeals to players seeking a balanced, high-performance blade.
The blade features a 7+2 ply construction where two layers of Dyneema Carbon are integrated within the wood plies, surrounding a central Balsa core. This construction enhances stability, enlarges the sweet spot, and reduces vibrations while maintaining relatively light weight and providing good catapult effect.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Fortino Performance offers solid speed suitable for an offensive game without being overly aggressive. It provides enough power for effective drives and attacking shots, but its emphasis on control and feel means it's not the fastest blade in its category. This moderate speed benefits players who rely more on placement and spin than raw power.
Control is a standout feature of the Fortino Performance. Our testing shows excellent ball-handling, precision, and safety, especially for passive strokes like blocks and returns. This high control rating makes it ideal for players who appreciate nuanced play and want to minimize unforced errors.
Fortino Performance delivers the highest feel within Tibhar's Super Strong Series. Players report a soft feel at impact with good connection to the ball and pleasant feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer a more sensitive blade.
The combination of offensive capabilities and spin generation suggests a medium to medium-high throw angle, typical for modern offensive blades designed for topspin play.
The construction, particularly the Balsa core and inner Dyneema Carbon layers, contributes to noticeable dwell time. This allows players to effectively 'grip' the ball, facilitating spin-heavy topspin shots and controlled placements.
While not exceptionally stiff, Fortino Performance offers moderate flexibility. The composite layers provide rigidity for power, but the wood veneers and Balsa core allow enough flex to generate spin and maintain good feel on impact.
A key technological feature is effective vibration dampening. The Dyneema Carbon fabric layer plays a crucial role in minimizing unwanted vibrations, leading to a cleaner feel and improved consistency during play.
The build quality of the Fortino Performance is consistently praised. The combination of selected veneers, Dyneema-Carbon fabric, and Balsa core results in a well-balanced, durable blade with excellent vibration dampening and pleasant feel. Players report strong consistency and quality ball feedback.
Technology
Fortino Performance utilizes a unique 7+2 ply construction featuring an integrated Dyneema Carbon fabric layer. Dyneema, known as the world's strongest fiber by weight, combines with carbon to create a composite material that enhances bend-resistance and hardness. This fabric is strategically placed around a central Balsa core. This innovative approach aims to enlarge the blade's sweet spot, significantly reduce vibrations, and provide exceptional stability and dynamic qualities. The Balsa core contributes to lighter weight and a responsive catapult effect, while selected wood veneers ensure excellent ball feedback and control.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
While Vladimir Samsonov is more strongly associated with the Tibhar Fortino Pro, the Fortino series as a whole was introduced as part of Tibhar's 'Super Strong Series' in 2019. The Fortino Performance shares the same Dyneema Carbon technology and is part of the same series, suggesting it could be an alternative or practice blade for players of his caliber.
Similar Blades
Butterfly InnerForce Layer ALC
Our analysis suggests Fortino Performance is mechanically similar to Butterfly InnerForce Layer ALC in terms of vibration characteristics and elasticity. Both are inner-fiber composite blades offering comparable feel and control, making them suitable alternatives for players seeking similar playing characteristics.
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition
Fortino Performance is noticeably slower and has a stiffer feeling than the Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition. This positions it as a more controlled, though less powerful, option for players transitioning from or seeking an alternative to the Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition.