Weight
85g
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x149
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Samsonov Techno Power Contact
Tibhar Samsonov Techno Power Contact is a uniquely designed ALL+ blade developed in collaboration with legendary player Vladimir Samsonov. It features distinct playing characteristics for each side, offering increased speed on the forehand and enhanced control on the backhand. This asymmetrical design caters to modern attacking players who want an aggressive forehand while maintaining a solid, controlled backhand game. The blade incorporates a special 'Contact light System' and a balsa core in the handle to optimize vibration transfer, providing exceptional feel and feedback. Its lightweight construction ensures comfort during long matches, making it suitable for a wide range of players seeking a blend of offensive power and precise control.
The blade features a specific combination of wood plies designed to create differentiated playing characteristics between the forehand and backhand sides. The forehand side utilizes a faster veneer, while the backhand side employs a veneer focused on control. A balsa core is present, contributing to a lightweight feel and enhanced vibration transfer.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade offers a noticeable speed difference between its sides. The forehand side provides sufficient speed for aggressive shots, rated around 7.5, while the backhand side is rated around 6.5, prioritizing control over outright speed. This asymmetry allows for dynamic play, letting players leverage the forehand for offense and the backhand for stability and defensive play.
Tibhar Samsonov Techno Power Contact excels in control, particularly on the backhand side which is rated around 9.5. The forehand side offers a very respectable control rating of about 8.5. This high level of control makes the blade very manageable for various strokes including blocking, looping, and defensive chops, allowing players to place the ball with great precision.
The blade plays with a soft and sensitive feel. The presence of a balsa core in the handle, combined with the 'Contact light System,' facilitates the transfer of vibrations to the player's hand, enhancing the tactile sensation of ball contact. This provides a sensitive touch, allowing players to feel the ball and make precise adjustments.
The combination of an ALL+ rating and a faster forehand veneer suggests a medium-high throw angle, suitable for generating attacking arcs with topspin shots. This is conducive to clearing the net with ample margin while maintaining offensive pressure.
The blade offers a medium dwell time, allowing for good spin generation, especially on the control-oriented backhand side. The ability to feel the ball on the racket face contributes to brushing and imparting spin effectively, particularly with slower, more controlled strokes.
The flexibility is considered moderate, leaning towards less flexible rather than very flexible. While it has some give for spin and feel, it's not characterized by extreme bending, which contributes to its stable platform for controlled attacks and blocking.
The blade is engineered to transmit vibrations from ball contact to the player's hand, providing valuable feedback. While this indicates moderate vibration, the overall sensation is often described as a controlled and informative feel rather than harshness, largely due to the balsa core and specific design.
Players report the blade has good build quality and durability, noting its resilience to accidental impacts despite its lightweight construction. The materials and construction are robust, offering reliable performance over time, which contributes to its overall value and longevity.
Technology
Tibhar Samsonov Techno Power Contact incorporates the 'Contact light System,' designed to enhance the transfer of vibrations from ball impact to the player's hand. This system, along with a balsa core integrated into the handle, aims to provide superior feel and feedback, allowing players to better sense the ball and execute precise shots. The blade's construction also emphasizes a lightweight design, contributing to comfort and maneuverability during play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
Vladimir Samsonov, a legendary Belarusian table tennis player and multiple European Champion and World Cup winner, was instrumental in the development of this blade. The asymmetrical design, with a faster forehand and a more controlled backhand, directly reflects Samsonov's playing style, which often involved powerful forehand attacks complemented by solid backhand control. This blade embodies his philosophy of combining offensive capabilities with precise control and excellent feel.
Similar Blades
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black
Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black is a 7-ply offensive blade, also developed with Vladimir Samsonov. While the Techno Power Contact is an ALL+ blade with an asymmetrical design, the Force Pro Black is generally considered faster and more offensive. However, both blades share a connection to Samsonov's expertise and aim to provide a good balance of speed, control, and feel, making the Force Pro Black a potential alternative for players seeking a more aggressive option from the same line of development.