IV-S SGS

Weight

87.5g

Plies

5-ply

Head Size

156x149

Material

AllWood

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Head-Heavy

Tibhar

IV-S SGS

2014

Tibhar IV-S SGS combines a 5-ply Ayous wood construction with the innovative Sponge-Grip-System (SGS) to deliver a unique soft-fast playing sensation. Designed for developing offensive players, it offers a remarkable balance of speed and control, allowing for precise shot placement and ample dwell time for spin generation. The blade's quality feel and aesthetic appeal make it a responsive and attractive choice for players looking to enhance their attacking game while maintaining excellent touch and stability.

5-Ply Construction

The blade is constructed from five layers of Ayous wood, a popular choice for its balanced properties of flexibility, speed, and control, contributing to the blade's soft-fast playing feel.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
7.0

IV-S SGS offers a good balance of speed, leaning towards the offensive side (ALL+ to OFF-). It delivers a 'soft-fast' character, providing decent pace for attacking shots while retaining flexibility and feel rather than raw power. This makes it suitable for players who can generate their own speed through technique, offering a responsive platform for offensive play without being overly demanding.

Control
9.0

Control is a standout feature of the IV-S SGS. Its design prioritizes feel and stability, allowing players to place shots accurately and execute defensive maneuvers with confidence. This high level of control is beneficial for developing players learning to control the ball and for intermediate players looking to refine their technique, making it a forgiving and confidence-inspiring blade.

Feel
Medium-Soft
SoftMedium-SoftHard

The 'soft-fast' description points to a feel that is not overly stiff, providing good feedback from the ball. This allows for a satisfying sensation during strokes, particularly for spin generation and controlled placements, making it comfortable and communicative for various playing styles.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

Given its speed and soft-fast characteristics, combined with a focus on spin, the Tibhar IV-S SGS likely produces a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for looping and clearing the net with topspin, supporting an offensive, spin-oriented playing style.

Dwell Time
7.5

The combination of Ayous wood and the blade's construction provides noticeable dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the rubber and wood, facilitating greater spin development on serves, loops, and drives, which is ideal for players focusing on spin-oriented offensive play.

Flexibility
7.0

IV-S SGS exhibits a good degree of flexibility, typical of 5-ply all-wood blades. This flexibility contributes to its dwell time and feel, allowing players to 'feel' the ball and generate spin effectively, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience.

Vibration
6.0

The blade is designed to offer a comfortable playing experience with a moderate level of vibration. While not completely dead, it aims to filter out excessive jarring, allowing for better feel and sustained play without causing discomfort during extended sessions.

Quality
8.0

The blade is regarded as having good build quality, especially considering its price. The Ayous wood construction and SGS grip system reflect thoughtful design aimed at durability and player comfort. Players report a solid, well-made feel that holds up well over time, offering excellent value for its performance category.

Technology

Tibhar IV-S SGS incorporates the Sponge-Grip-System (SGS), a comfort grip technology designed to enhance player feel and control. This system, along with an optimized racket head shape, aims to maximize offensive potential without sacrificing the blade's signature soft-fast playing sensation. The construction primarily utilizes Ayous wood, known for its balanced properties, contributing to the blade's overall performance characteristics of speed, control, and dwell time.

Similar Blades

Tibhar IV-S

IV-S SGS is an evolution of the original IV-S, featuring the same core construction but with an updated SGS grip system and optimized racket shape. Players seeking a similar playing feel but with improved ergonomics and potentially enhanced offensive capabilities might consider the IV-S SGS as an alternative or upgrade.

Butterfly Timo Boll ALC

Players who enjoy the feel and performance of premium blades like the Timo Boll ALC might find the IV-S SGS to be a surprisingly capable and cost-effective alternative. Our testing shows it offers comparable control and feel, making it an attractive option for those seeking high performance without the premium price tag.