Weight
86g
Thickness
6.4mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Samsonov Force Pro
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro is a 7-ply all-wood blade crafted for offensive players who demand a powerful yet controlled game. Named after the legendary Vladimir Samsonov, it delivers impressive speed reserves while maintaining excellent ball handling. The Limba outer plies provide a direct, powerful feel, while the Ayous inner structure ensures superior control and dwell time. This construction supports aggressive play from both close to the table and mid-distance, offering a robust and perceptible performance that balances power with precision for a versatile attacking style.
This 7-ply all-wood construction, featuring Limba outer plies and multiple Ayous inner plies, is designed to provide a combination of speed from the outer layers and control from the inner structure. The Ayous core offers a softer feel and good dwell time, while the Limba top layers contribute to a direct feel and power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro is consistently rated as a fast blade, suitable for offensive play. Its speed sits at the higher end of the OFF category. The Limba outer plies contribute to its direct power, allowing for fast drives and smashes. It offers good acceleration and speed reserves for aggressive attacking play, making it faster than many 5-ply blades while remaining manageable.
Despite its offensive speed, Samsonov Force Pro offers a high level of control, a key design feature. The 7-ply construction with softer inner plies provides good dwell time and feedback, allowing for precise placement and controlled touch play. This balance makes it suitable for players who need both power and accuracy, enabling aggressive shots without sacrificing feel.
Samsonov Force Pro offers a direct and clear feel of the ball, described as having a medium feel due to the Limba outer plies and Ayous core. While it has some stiffness from its 7-ply construction, it provides enough dwell time to feel the ball and impart spin, offering a more woody and connected sensation than composite blades.
The throw angle is generally considered medium to medium-high, suitable for modern offensive play. This allows for a good trajectory on loops, providing sufficient clearance over the net while maintaining attacking power and spin.
The blade offers a good amount of dwell time, which is crucial for generating spin on serves and during aggressive looping. This allows players to brush the ball effectively, even at higher speeds, contributing significantly to both spin production and overall control.
The 7-ply construction lends a certain degree of stiffness to the blade, which aids in its offensive capabilities. However, it retains enough flex to allow for spin generation and a good feel on strokes, sitting in the medium flexibility range. It is described as slightly stiff compared to softer 5-ply blades.
The vibration level is generally considered moderate. It provides enough feedback to feel the ball impact without being overly jarring or harsh, contributing to its controlled feel. Players accustomed to heavily dampened carbon blades might perceive more vibration, but it offers nice and crisp sensations.
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro is generally regarded as a high-quality blade. Players often comment on the smooth finish of the wood, comfortable handles, and overall solid construction. The dedication to quality is evident, with no compromises in material or assembly, resulting in a reliable and well-crafted piece of equipment.
Technology
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro is an all-wood blade constructed using a 7-ply layering technique. The outer plies are made of Limba, a wood known for its balance of speed and control, providing a direct feel and power. The inner core and mid-plies are composed of Ayous, which contributes to the blade's dwell time, flexibility, and overall control. This specific combination is designed to offer a distinct playing experience that avoids the harshness sometimes associated with composite blades while delivering sufficient speed for modern offensive play. The blade is a product of Vladimir Samsonov's input, aiming for varied speed reserves and excellent ball control.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
Vladimir Samsonov, the blade's namesake, is a legendary professional table tennis player. Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro was developed with his direct input and requirements for a blade that offers both impressive speed reserves and excellent ball control. He has used various iterations of blades bearing his name throughout his long and successful career, including this model, which aligns with his powerful yet controlled playing style. The blade's design allows him to exert pressure on opponents with aggressive shots while maintaining precision in his game.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood / Stiga Clipper CR
Samsonov Force Pro is often compared to the Stiga Clipper series, particularly the Clipper Wood and Clipper CR. Both are 7-ply all-wood offensive blades with Limba outer plies and similar construction principles. Our testing shows Samsonov Force Pro offers a slightly more offensive capability and distinct feel, while the Clipper CR may provide marginally better control for certain aspects of play, making both excellent choices for players seeking a classic wood offensive experience.
Nittaku Ludeack
Nittaku Ludeack is another 7-ply all-wood blade that shares a similar Limba/Ayous construction with Samsonov Force Pro. Many players find Samsonov Force Pro to be a strong alternative, with some considering it their second favorite 7-ply blade after the Ludeack. Both blades are praised for their feel, control, and offensive capabilities, making them suitable choices for players seeking a classic wood blade experience with reliable performance.