Weight
88.8g
Thickness
5.85mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Shang Kun Hybrid AC
Tibhar Shang Kun Hybrid AC is a 7-ply composite blade designed for flexible attackers who value control and variability. Its inner-fiber construction with Arylate Carbon layers adjacent to the core delivers enhanced stability and a longer, more intensive ball contact. You'll notice a soft, almost wood-like feel on gentle touches, which transforms into a distinct carbon sensation during powerful strikes. The Limba outer plies provide superior ball feedback for precise shot execution and improved accuracy. This blade is an excellent choice for players who prioritize spin and consistent offensive play from close to mid-distance.
This 5+2 construction sandwiches Arylate Carbon fibers between Limba plies and an Ayous core. The inner-carbon placement creates a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to outer-carbon designs while maintaining carbon's stability and speed benefits.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Shang Kun Hybrid AC delivers offensive-level speed that balances power with excellent control. While it provides a significant boost when striking firmly, it maintains a controlled pace for softer touches. Our testing shows it offers comparable speed to modern inner-fiber blades, making it highly effective for aggressive play without being overwhelming. The speed responds directly to player input, giving you power when you need it while remaining manageable for tactical shots.
Control is where this blade truly shines. Players report exceptional precision and security across all strokes, from delicate short game play to active blocking. The blade's ability to hold the ball deeply allows for aggressive topspin shots with high spin potential while maintaining excellent accuracy. You'll find executing complex strokes feels natural and controlled, giving you confidence during intense rallies.
Despite its composite construction, Shang Kun Hybrid AC offers a surprisingly soft, almost wood-like feel at lower impact levels. The Limba outer plies enhance ball feedback, while the Arylate Carbon becomes more prominent during powerful strikes, providing a crisper sensation. This dual-character feel gives you excellent touch for short game while maintaining responsiveness for attacks.
The combination of inner carbon and soft wood plies creates a medium-high throw angle that facilitates loop drives with good arc. This characteristic works particularly well with spin-oriented rubbers, allowing you to generate effective topspin with a comfortable trajectory.
The inner-fiber construction creates significant dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade longer. This extended contact enables players to generate substantial spin and control the pace of their shots effectively. You'll notice the blade holds the ball deeply, which is particularly beneficial for spin-oriented play and looping.
This blade leans toward the stiffer side rather than being flexible. The carbon layers provide stability and direct power transfer, creating a solid feel that works well for active blocking and powerful strokes. Players who prefer a more stable, less flexible blade will appreciate this characteristic.
Vibration levels are moderate, contributing to the blade's balanced and comfortable feel. The inner-carbon design typically reduces harsh vibrations compared to outer-carbon constructions, resulting in a playing experience that provides good feedback without being overly jarring.
Tibhar has crafted a top-tier carbon blade with excellent build quality and material selection. The craftsmanship results in consistent performance and a refined feel that players appreciate. From the finish to the playing characteristics, everything about this blade reflects its premium positioning in Tibhar's lineup.
Technology
Tibhar Shang Kun Hybrid AC utilizes an inner-fiber construction where Arylate Carbon layers are placed closer to the core rather than on the outer plies. This design enhances dwell time and provides a softer, more controlled feel reminiscent of all-wood blades while still delivering the added speed and stability of carbon. The specific Hybrid AC material represents Tibhar's formulation of Arylate Carbon, aiming to balance flex, power, and feel. Limba wood outer plies contribute sensitive ball feedback and spin-friendly characteristics, creating a blade that bridges traditional feel with modern performance.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Felix Lebrun
Felix Lebrun used this blade before developing his signature model, appreciating its blend of speed, control, and dwell time that supported his aggressive modern offensive style. The blade's characteristics allowed him to generate significant spin while maintaining consistency during dynamic rallies close to the table.
Milosz Redzimski
Milosz Redzimski utilizes this blade for his dynamic and aggressive playing style. The control and dwell time support his powerful topspin shots and all-round offensive capabilities, helping him execute precise attacks with heavy spin.
Cedric Nuytinck
Cedric Nuytinck employs this blade for his aggressive topspin and all-round offensive game. The blade's spin generation and consistent control during rallies complement his dynamic playing style effectively.
Alvaro Robles
Alvaro Robles uses this blade to support his solid offensive game, employing powerful forehand topspins and consistent backhand play. The balance of speed, control, and spin helps him apply pressure on opponents while maintaining tactical accuracy.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
This blade shares a similar 5+2 inner-fiber construction with Arylate Carbon, aiming for a controlled offensive experience with enhanced spin potential. While Shang Kun Hybrid AC offers slightly more dwell time and a softer feel, both blades provide that sensitive, spin-friendly characteristic that appeals to players seeking control with offensive capability.
Butterfly Viscaria
While Viscaria is an iconic outer-carbon blade known for speed and aggressive play, Shang Kun Hybrid AC provides a softer feel, greater dwell time, and potentially more control. It appeals to players who want similar offensive capability but with a more forgiving, spin-focused characteristic that enhances touch and consistency.