Weight
85g
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Li Qian
Tibhar Li Qian is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade, meticulously crafted in Japan for players who prioritize exceptional control and feel. Named after the 2018 European Champion, it's engineered for outstanding ball security, making it ideal for aggressive counter-rallies and a wide array of defensive strategies. The blade offers a firm yet responsive feel, allowing for precise short game play, delicate chops, and powerful counter-attacks. Its balanced weight and dimensions contribute to superior maneuverability, enabling quick reactions and confident execution of intricate shots. This blade represents a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern defensive play requirements.
The blade features a 5-ply all-wood construction, reportedly using high-quality Japanese veneers. This construction is designed to offer a balance of control, feel, and stability, which are paramount for defensive play. The specific arrangement of these plies contributes to its characteristic medium-hard feel and excellent feedback, allowing for precise execution of defensive strokes.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tibhar Li Qian is designed as a defensive blade, and its speed rating reflects this. It offers a moderate level of speed, sufficient for effective counter-rallies and for finishing points when the opportunity arises. However, its primary focus is on control and ball placement rather than raw power, making it less suitable for players who rely on extremely fast, aggressive attacks.
Control is the hallmark of the Tibhar Li Qian. It provides exceptional ball security and predictability, allowing players to place shots with high precision. This makes it ideal for defensive maneuvers such as chopping, blocking, and pushing, where accurate placement is crucial. The high control rating ensures players can maintain consistency even during intense rallies.
Tibhar Li Qian offers a medium-hard feel, described as firm yet responsive. This provides clear feedback on ball contact, allowing players to discern the amount of spin and power imparted on the ball. This characteristic is vital for developing touch and executing delicate defensive shots.
While not explicitly rated, the blade's focus on control and spin for defensive play, combined with its 5-ply wood construction, suggests a medium-high throw angle. This can assist players in lifting the ball for chops and generating heavy spin on serves and drives.
The blade's design prioritizes control and ball security, which often correlates with a longer dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade's surface, enabling players to impart more spin and achieve greater control over their shots, especially during defensive strokes like chops and blocks.
As a defensive blade, Tibhar Li Qian leans towards being stiffer rather than highly flexible. This characteristic helps in generating controlled power for counter-attacks and maintaining stability during defensive plays, while still allowing for some flex to generate spin.
While specific vibration ratings are scarce, reviews suggest a moderate vibration level that is not overly dampened but also not excessively harsh. This contributes to the blade's good feedback without being jarring, allowing for comfortable play.
The blade is consistently described as being of high quality, with a particular emphasis on its Japanese craftsmanship and the use of high-grade Japanese veneers. This suggests a durable construction and a premium feel, contributing to its reliable performance on the table.
Technology
Tibhar Li Qian blade is constructed using a traditional 5-ply all-wood method, reportedly utilizing high-quality Japanese veneers. This manufacturing process focuses on selecting and assembling wood layers to achieve specific playing characteristics, emphasizing control, feel, and balance. The absence of composite materials indicates a commitment to classic blade-making techniques that prioritize natural wood properties. This approach provides players with a pure, responsive feel and consistent performance, particularly beneficial for defensive strategies that rely on nuanced touch and precise placement.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Li Qian
Li Qian, the blade's namesake and the 2018 European Champion, uses this blade. Her playing style is characterized by strong defensive capabilities, including powerful chops and effective counter-rallies. This blade is specifically designed to support her game, providing the exceptional control, balance, and ball security needed to execute her defensive tactics and to transition into offensive plays effectively. The blade's Japanese construction and 5-ply wood composition align with the requirements of a top defensive player who needs consistent performance under pressure.
Similar Blades
Victas Koji Matsushita
Victas Koji Matsushita is another highly regarded defensive blade known for its excellent control and feel, often compared to the Tibhar Li Qian. Both blades are 5-ply all-wood constructions and are favored by defensive players for their ability to provide superior ball security and consistent blocking and chopping. Players who appreciate the controlled playstyle and the responsive touch of the Tibhar Li Qian might find the Victas Koji Matsushita to be a similar alternative, offering a comparable playing experience with a focus on defensive prowess.
Butterfly Defense Classic
Butterfly Defense Classic is a well-established defensive blade that shares many characteristics with the Tibhar Li Qian. Both blades are designed for players who rely heavily on defensive techniques and require a high degree of control and predictability. The Butterfly Defense Classic, like the Tibhar Li Qian, is a 5-ply all-wood blade that excels in blocking, chopping, and defensive counter-attacks, making it a viable alternative for players seeking a similar playing experience focused on maximum control.