Weight
92g
Thickness
6.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
15.4x14.8
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Samsonov Carbon
Tibhar Samsonov Carbon is an uncompromising offensive blade co-developed with the legendary Vladimir Samsonov. Engineered for players who dominate with extreme power, it combines specially developed carbon layers with fast Ayous plywood for a direct and explosive playing experience. This blade delivers a stiff, sensitive feel ideal for aggressive attackers who thrive in high-speed rallies, offering consistent performance for dedicated athletes seeking to impose their game.
The blade features a 7-ply construction with 5 wood layers (Ayous) and 2 carbon fiber layers. This combination is designed to provide a stiff and fast playing surface, with the carbon layers enhancing power and stability, while the Ayous wood aims to offer some sensitivity and ball feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tibhar Samsonov Carbon is renowned for its exceptional speed, a result of its carbon fiber layers and Ayous wood construction. This makes it ideal for aggressive, fast-paced play and powerful attacking shots, allowing players to dictate rallies with explosive force.
Control is more moderate, with player experiences varying. Some find it offers good control for its speed, especially for blocking and powerful shots, while others note it can be less forgiving for delicate touches or precise placement due to its stiffness and lower dwell time.
Tibhar Samsonov Carbon delivers a stiff and hard feel due to its carbon layers and construction. This provides a direct and solid contact, advantageous for powerful strokes but offering less dwell time and sensitivity compared to softer blades.
The stiffness and direct nature of the blade, combined with its speed focus, result in a low throw angle. This is beneficial for powerful, flat shots and smashes but may require technique adjustment for high-arching loops.
The blade's stiff nature and carbon construction result in a shorter dwell time. This allows for quick releases and high speed but can make controlled looping and spin generation more demanding for some players.
Tibhar Samsonov Carbon is characterized by its stiffness, a direct result of the integrated carbon fiber layers. This rigidity is a key contributor to its high speed and power, making it significantly less flexible than all-wood blades.
Despite its speed and stiffness, many users report low vibration levels, contributing to a direct and solid feel without excessive harshness. This is often attributed to the balanced construction of wood and carbon.
The blade is generally perceived as having good quality, utilizing established materials like Ayous wood and carbon fiber. While most players report satisfaction, isolated instances of minor manufacturing inconsistencies have been noted.
Technology
Tibhar Samsonov Carbon features a 7-ply construction that strategically integrates specially developed carbon layers with fast Ayous plywood. This combination is engineered to maximize power and speed, providing a stiff and direct playing surface ideal for aggressive offensive play. The Ayous wood contributes a degree of sensitivity, aiming to balance the inherent stiffness of the carbon. This results in a blade offering significant penetrating power and stability for players who can harness its high-speed capabilities.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
Vladimir Samsonov is the namesake and co-developer of this blade. The Samsonov Carbon series was designed in collaboration with him to embody his powerful and uncompromising playing style, delivering the extreme speed and power characteristic of his aggressive, dominant approach to the game.
Similar Blades
Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon
The Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon is a closely related blade, also developed with Vladimir Samsonov. While both feature carbon and Ayous wood, the Stratus version is often described as having a bit more control and a slightly softer feel compared to the standard Samsonov Carbon, making it a potential alternative for players who want high speed with greater emphasis on feel.