Weight
86g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
150x153
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Samsonov Limited Edition 25
Tibhar Samsonov Limited Edition 25 is a premium blade celebrating a 25-year partnership between the brand and the legendary Vladimir Samsonov. This limited-run blade, with only 1000 units produced, combines high-tech synthetic fibers with natural wood plies to deliver a remarkable fusion of speed, spin, and feeling. Designed for aggressive players, it provides the hardness needed for powerful offensive play while maintaining superior control and a unique ball sensation for precise placement and tactical variation.
This 5+2 construction features outer Koto wood plies for a direct feel and speed, internal Ayous and Kiri wood layers for control and dwell, and carbon fiber layers for added stiffness and a larger sweet spot. The symmetrical arrangement aims for balanced feel, effective vibration management, and efficient energy transfer.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tibhar Samsonov Limited Edition 25 delivers significant speed, placing it firmly in the OFF to OFF+ category. The composite construction provides ample power for driving and looping from mid-distance, responding crisply to forceful strokes. While not the absolute fastest blade available, it strikes an excellent balance, offering powerful shots without sacrificing the control needed for consistent attacking play.
Despite its offensive pedigree, this blade maintains a high level of control, a cornerstone of its design. Players report wonderful precision in short play and confident blocking. The blend of wood and composite layers creates a predictable response and a generous sweet spot, allowing for accurate placement and effective counter-attacking, making it a reliable tool for tactical players.
The feel is best described as medium-hard. It provides the direct, crisp response characteristic of carbon blades, but the wood plies introduce enough flex to retain a good sense of the ball. This prevents it from feeling overly stiff or dead, offering a satisfying connection during play.
The material combination typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for offensive play, helping loops and attacking shots clear the net with a good, arcing trajectory for consistent power and spin.
Our testing shows moderate to good dwell time, which is crucial for generating heavy spin. The wood plies allow the ball to sink in slightly before release, enhancing spin potential on loops, drives, and serves, making it effective for spin-oriented attackers.
The blade possesses good flexibility, particularly beneficial for topspin strokes. This characteristic enhances dwell time and spin generation while contributing to a more controlled and forgiving feel compared to extremely stiff offensive blades.
Vibration is well-managed. The carbon fiber layers help dampen harsh feedback, providing a comfortable and responsive feel without completely deadening the ball. This results in a blade that is lively enough for good touch but not fatiguing over long sessions.
Build quality is generally very good, reflecting its premium, limited-edition status. The materials are well-integrated, resulting in a solid and robust feel suitable for demanding play. Some players have noted minor aesthetic imperfections, which can be common in limited production runs, but the overall construction and finish are commendable for a blade of this caliber.
Technology
Tibhar Samsonov Limited Edition 25 utilizes a sophisticated composite construction, integrating carbon fiber with carefully selected wood plies like Koto, Ayous, and Kiri. This synergy optimizes energy transfer from player to ball, enhancing both speed and spin potential. The design balances the inherent stiffness of the composite layers with the tactile feedback of wood, creating a large, consistent sweet spot. This technology is tailored for aggressive players who demand both explosive power and precise control across all strokes.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
Co-developed with Tibhar, this blade is a direct reflection of Vladimir Samsonov's legendary playing style. Renowned for his exceptional all-round game, tactical intelligence, and superb control, the blade is engineered to provide the offensive power for his aggressive strokes while retaining the exquisite feel and precision he is famous for, particularly in blocking and counter-attacking situations.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Tibhar Samsonov Limited Edition 25 is often discussed alongside the Butterfly Viscaria due to similar composite constructions and playing characteristics. Both are benchmark offensive blades that prioritize a blend of speed, spin, and control for modern attacking play. The Samsonov LE 25 is seen as a compelling alternative for players seeking that high-performance profile with a distinct feel.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood
While the Stratus Power Wood is an all-wood blade, it serves as a useful reference within Tibhar's lineup. The Samsonov Limited Edition 25 offers a significant upgrade in offensive power and stiffness due to its composite construction, making it an ideal step for players who love Tibhar's feel but are seeking more speed and directness for an attacking game.