Weight
85g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
4-ply
Head Size
150x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
IV-L
Tibhar IV-L is a distinguished all-round table tennis blade celebrated for its exceptional control and pleasant ball feel. Built with four layers of soft Ayous wood, it delivers a unique playing experience that prioritizes sensitive strokes and high security, minimizing unforced errors and enabling precise tactical play. While emphasizing control, it provides sufficient speed and spin potential for effective opening attacks and finishing strokes, making it a versatile choice for developing a creative and adaptable all-round game. Its accessible price point offers a brilliant price-performance ratio, appealing to a wide range of players.
The blade features a simple yet effective 4-ply construction exclusively using Ayous wood. This material choice contributes to the blade's soft feel, excellent ball feedback, and control. The symmetrical arrangement of these four Ayous plies results in a consistent playing experience across the entire blade surface, emphasizing uniformity and predictability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tibhar IV-L offers a moderate speed rating, falling into the ALL/ALL+ category. While not designed for raw power, it provides sufficient speed for controlled attacks and is well-suited for players who rely on spin and placement rather than brute force. Our testing shows its speed is adequate for both all-round play and close-to-the-table attacking styles, making it a versatile option for developing an offensive game without sacrificing control.
Control is the standout feature of Tibhar IV-L. It delivers exceptional precision and security in all aspects of play. This makes it ideal for players who value consistency, delicate placements, and a high degree of confidence in their shots, especially during passive play and short game maneuvers. Many players find this level of control allows for aggressive tactics with minimal risk of unforced errors.
Tibhar IV-L offers a medium-soft feel, characterized by excellent ball feedback and a noticeable dwell time. This allows players to feel the ball clearly upon impact, which aids in spin development and shot placement. The soft nature of the Ayous wood contributes to a comfortable and engaging tactile experience during play, making it responsive and forgiving.
The combination of soft wood and sufficient speed lends Tibhar IV-L a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is beneficial for lifting the ball over the net with spin, particularly for topspin strokes and serves, allowing for effective attacking play and easier arc creation on loops.
Tibhar IV-L provides a significant dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade's surface upon impact. This extended contact time is crucial for generating spin on serves and loops, and it enhances the player's ability to control the ball's trajectory and speed during rallies. Players report a sensational ball feel that supports spin-oriented play.
This blade possesses medium flexibility, allowing for a good degree of flex during powerful strokes, which aids in spin generation and ball pocketing. This characteristic contributes to its feel and control, enabling players to actively use the blade's properties for offensive play, supporting both soft topspins and slightly harder finishing strokes.
Tibhar IV-L exhibits moderate vibration levels. While it provides good feedback to the player, it does not transmit excessive harshness, contributing to a comfortable playing experience and aiding in maintaining control during fast exchanges. The soft Ayous wood and 4-ply construction help dampen vibrations effectively.
Tibhar IV-L is generally regarded as a well-built blade, especially considering its accessible price. While specific quality ratings are scarce, players report its durability and consistent performance over time, indicating a reliable construction that holds up well for its intended player base. The craftsmanship ensures a solid feel and consistent playing characteristics, offering excellent value for money.
Technology
Tibhar IV-L is built with a straightforward, all-wood construction. Its defining characteristic is the use of four layers of soft Ayous wood. This material choice is fundamental to the blade's identity, providing its signature soft feel, exceptional control, and enhanced ball dwell time. The simplicity of its construction allows for a direct transmission of ball feedback to the player, fostering a deep connection with the ball. This design philosophy focuses on maximizing control and feel, differentiating it from blades that rely on composite materials or complex wood combinations, making it a pure expression of wood craftsmanship.
Similar Blades
Tibhar IV-L Light Contact
Tibhar IV-L Light Contact is a variant of the original IV-L, often featuring a lighter construction and potentially a modified feel due to its 'Contact Light System' and sometimes balsa integration. It aims to offer a balance of speed and control, similar to the IV-L, but with a slightly faster profile and a more modern feel, while retaining the all-round characteristics. TTSensei experts note it's a good option for players seeking a bit more speed without losing the core control identity.
Tibhar IV-L Balsa
Tibhar IV-L Balsa incorporates a balsa core, significantly reducing its weight and altering its feel. While it shares the Ayous outer plies and a focus on control like the standard IV-L, the balsa core provides a distinct, very light, and exceptionally soft touch. This makes it an excellent option for players prioritizing extreme lightness and maximum dwell time, with a softer impact compared to the standard IV-L. Many players find it ideal for developing touch and spin with minimal physical strain.