Weight
85g
Thickness
6.1mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
159x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Samsonov Pure Wood
Tibhar Samsonov Pure Wood is a 5-ply all-wood blade that captures the legendary control and feel of Vladimir Samsonov's playing style. Designed for all-round players with an offensive touch, it excels in precise ball placement, consistent blocking, and spin-friendly topspin execution. The blade delivers a harmonious, natural wood sensation, providing excellent feedback and a comfortable grip. Its balanced construction makes it a reliable choice for players seeking a controlled offensive game with a premium, durable build.
This symmetrical 5-ply construction features Koto outer plies for a firm feel and good speed, with Mahogany layers and a Samba core providing the necessary dwell time and control for an all-round game. The arrangement optimizes the natural characteristics of each wood type.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Samsonov Pure Wood is classified as an ALL+ blade with a speed rating that supports controlled offensive play. It offers sufficient acceleration for modern table tennis, particularly for players who stay close to the table. While not a speed demon, it's faster than some traditional all-round blades but slower than pure offensive or carbon composite models, making it well-suited for players who value placement and consistency over sheer power.
Control is the standout feature of this blade. Its design prioritizes precision, making it excellent for accurate blocks, precise placement, and consistent stroke execution. This high level of control makes it very beginner-friendly and beneficial for players focusing on reducing errors and building rally consistency. Many players find it delivers a predictable, trustworthy feel on every shot.
The feel is often described as soft on thin contacts, becoming more medium with harder hits. It offers good feedback without being harsh, providing a solid connection to the ball. Some users note it has a substantial feel that plays well with harder sponge rubbers, though it's not particularly flexible.
The combination of wood plies and its ALL+ classification creates a medium to medium-high throw angle. This trajectory is well-suited for looping and driving with good arc, making it effective for spin-oriented attacks from mid-distance.
The 5-ply all-wood construction, combined with its focus on control and spin, provides medium to long dwell time. This allows for good spin generation and ball pocketing, especially on slower shots and loops. However, some players note it can feel capped out for extreme spin generation at very high speeds.
The blade's flexibility sits in the medium range. While described as fairly stiff by some, others note a soft feel without being particularly flexy. This balance provides enough stiffness for power transmission while maintaining good feel and spin potential.
Players report minimal vibration with this blade. It doesn't vibrate excessively, which contributes to its controlled feel and predictable feedback. This allows players to feel the ball contact clearly without distracting buzzing or harsh sensations.
The blade consistently receives praise for its excellent build quality. Reviewers highlight precise craftsmanship, a smooth finish, and durable construction that indicates a well-made product built to last. The attention to detail in the grip plates and overall assembly contributes to a premium feel that inspires confidence during play.
Technology
Tibhar Samsonov Pure Wood represents traditional table tennis blade craftsmanship, focusing on the inherent qualities of natural wood. Its construction utilizes a specific combination of Koto, Mahogany, and Samba plies, carefully selected and arranged to optimize ball feel, control, and spin potential. The 'Pure Wood' designation highlights its all-wood composition, eschewing modern composite materials in favor of a classic playing experience. High-quality workmanship ensures durability and balance, with refined grip plates for enhanced comfort and stability during play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
Vladimir Samsonov, a legendary player renowned for exceptional control, consistency, and tactical prowess, has had multiple blades developed in collaboration with Tibhar. While specific details about his exact equipment during his peak career are scarce, the Pure Wood model is directly named after him and designed to reflect his playing characteristics. It embodies his preference for blades that offer superior feel, precise placement, and the ability to generate spin and control rallies, making it suitable for players who emulate his strategic, all-round game.
Similar Blades
Tibhar Stratus PowerWood
Tibhar Stratus PowerWood is another 5-ply all-wood blade often compared to the Samsonov Pure Wood. While the Pure Wood focuses more on control and feel, the Stratus PowerWood offers slightly more speed and stiffness, making it a more offensive option while retaining good all-round capabilities. Both blades are praised for their quality and suitability for developing players seeking different balances between control and attack.
Tibhar Samsonov Alpha
Tibhar Samsonov Alpha is positioned as a slightly faster blade than the Pure Wood while maintaining good control. It serves as a good compromise between speed and control, catering to players who want more attacking power than the Pure Wood provides without sacrificing too much of the characteristic Samsonov feel and precision. Our testing shows it's an excellent step-up option for players outgrowing the Pure Wood's speed.