Weight
85g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
KS Kinetic Speed
Tibhar KS Kinetic Speed is a high-performance offensive table tennis blade engineered for players seeking a blend of speed, spin, and control. Its advanced 7-ply construction, featuring a unique combination of wood and PBO Carbon (Zylon Carbon) fibers, creates an exceptional sweet spot and a distinct playing sensation. This blade excels in both close-to-the-table and mid-distance offensive play, offering ample power for aggressive shots while maintaining remarkable controllability. Recognized for its lightness, flexibility, and stability, it's a compelling choice for advanced players looking to elevate their game with precision and power.
The 5+2 ply construction features outer Limba plies for feel and speed, inner Koto and Kiri wood layers for structure and control, and PBO Carbon (Zylon Carbon) fiber layers placed directly beneath the outer plies. This configuration is designed to enhance speed, enlarge the sweet spot, and provide a unique playing sensation that balances power with manageable control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
KS Kinetic Speed is consistently rated as a very fast blade, often described as OFF+. The PBO Carbon layers beneath the surface generate powerful shots and quick rallies. While inherently fast, our testing shows this speed can be harnessed with proper technique and rubber pairing, making it ideal for aggressive offensive players who want explosive power without completely sacrificing touch.
Despite its high speed, KS Kinetic Speed delivers good control for a composite blade. The ZLC-like feel and deeper ball hold contribute to a more manageable trajectory, aiding in spin generation and placement. Players report that a high skill level and careful rubber selection are crucial to unlock its full controllability, as its power can otherwise feel overwhelming in fast exchanges.
The feel is a distinctive blend, offering a semi-soft sensation on impact within a fundamentally stiff construction. It provides a woody, crisp feedback that many compare to ZLC blades, giving players clear information on ball contact while maintaining a unique character separate from pure wood or other carbon composites.
It produces a long trajectory with good power for loop drives and smashes, indicating a medium to medium-high throw angle. This characteristic facilitates aggressive, arcing loops and powerful attacking shots from mid-distance, helping players generate offensive pressure.
Our testing shows a medium to long dwell time, characterized by a slight sinking feel that allows the ball to hold on the blade. This extended contact is beneficial for generating heavy spin and controlling softer shots, making it particularly effective for looping and counter-looping maneuvers.
KS Kinetic Speed exhibits superb flexibility, which contributes to excellent ball pocketing and a dynamic playing experience. This flexibility works in tandem with the composite layers to aid in both spin generation and the controlled release of power, creating a responsive and lively feel.
Players report a moderate to high vibration level, often accompanied by a distinctive hollow, glassy sound upon impact. This is typical for blades with composite layers and provides clear auditory and tactile feedback, which some players appreciate for sensing shot quality.
Manufactured with high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship, KS Kinetic Speed features an attractive aesthetic and durable construction. Its premium feel and consistent performance reflect its positioning in the market. TTSensei experts note its build quality inspires confidence, suggesting it's a product designed to last and perform reliably at a high level.
Technology
Tibhar KS Kinetic Speed features an advanced 5+2 ply construction that integrates PBO Carbon (Zylon Carbon) fibers directly beneath the outer wood layers. This outer fiber placement is engineered to enhance speed and significantly enlarge the sweet spot while preserving feel. Limba outer plies contribute to a softer touch and improved spin generation, while the inner Koto and Kiri wood plies provide structural integrity and control. This unique composition aims to deliver a powerful yet surprisingly controllable blade, characterized by a crisp sound and a harmonious balance of flexibility and stability.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Zhang Jike
While not his primary blade, KS Kinetic Speed is frequently compared to Butterfly's Zhang Jike ZLC and Super ZLC models. TTSensei experts note it offers a similar ZLC-like feel, ball hold, and spin potential, often presenting a more accessible price point for players seeking that high-performance profile.
Timo Boll
The blade's offensive capabilities are often benchmarked against equipment used by elite players. Its combination of speed and control draws comparisons to blades like the Timo Boll ALC, highlighting its capacity to deliver top-tier offensive performance suitable for an advanced playing style.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Zhang Jike Super ZLC
Many players find the KS Kinetic Speed to be a compelling, more affordable alternative to the Zhang Jike Super ZLC. It's often described as offering a more controlled, yet potentially faster, experience with a deeper ball hold, making it a strong option for players seeking similar high-end characteristics.
Butterfly Zhang Jike ALC
The feel of KS Kinetic Speed is frequently likened to the Zhang Jike ALC. While construction differs, the comparison points to a shared responsiveness and a somewhat softer, woodier touch within a composite framework, appealing to players who want a blend of speed and tactile feedback.