Weight
90g
Thickness
6.25mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Stratus Power Wood
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade that masterfully balances speed, control, and classic feel. Its Limba-Limba-Ayous-Limba-Limba construction delivers a flexible and responsive playing experience, excelling at spin generation and aggressive shots while maintaining impressive all-around control. This versatility makes it a top choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a traditional wood blade with modern performance. The design provides excellent feedback and a comfortable feel, allowing for confident play with a wide variety of rubber combinations.
This symmetrical 5-ply construction features Limba wood for both the outer and inner plies, with an Ayous wood core. This classic layup provides a flexible and responsive feel with enhanced dwell time, making it highly conducive to spin-oriented offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood offers ample power for aggressive shots, particularly when paired with modern rubbers. Officially rated as OFF-, many players find it performs closer to the OFF category due to its thickness and construction. It delivers a faster pace than many traditional 5-ply wood blades, providing the necessary speed for a dynamic offensive game.
This blade provides a strong level of control, making it suitable for various strokes and playing styles. Despite its offensive capabilities, it offers good feedback and predictability, allowing players to place shots accurately. This is especially noticeable in the short game and during blocking, where the blade feels reassuringly consistent.
Players report a solid yet not overwhelming feel, with a good balance between stiffness and flexibility. Some describe a 'glassy' or firm touch, while others note a pleasant, classic wood feeling with clear feedback. It generally offers more tactile sensation than many composite blades.
The combination of speed, flexibility, and dwell time typically results in a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for powerful looping, allowing players to lift and drive the ball with good arc and safety over the net.
The 5-ply wood construction, particularly with the Limba outer plies and Ayous core, contributes to a significant dwell time. This extended contact allows for excellent spin generation on serves and loops, making the ball feel like it bites into the rubber for enhanced control.
The blade is highly flexible, which actively aids in spin generation and supports a wide range of offensive strokes. This flexibility is a key contributor to its good dwell time and overall responsive, lively feel on impact.
Vibration is present and contributes to the blade's feedback, but it is not excessive. It's more noticeable than some composite blades but less pronounced than very traditional, highly vibraty all-wood blades, offering a good middle ground for feel.
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood is praised for its excellent build quality and finish, offering great value. The edges are typically well-sanded for comfort, and the overall construction provides a durable, solid feel for an all-wood blade. It represents a reliable and well-made piece of equipment.
Technology
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood utilizes a classic 5-ply all-wood construction, a hallmark of traditional table tennis blades. The specific layup of Limba for the outer and inner plies, combined with a thicker Ayous core, is engineered to provide a unique blend of flexibility, dwell time, and feel. This construction is optimized for the modern 40+ plastic ball, offering sufficient speed and spin capabilities for aggressive play while retaining the tactile feedback characteristic of wood blades. The manufacturing focuses on achieving consistent weight distribution and a comfortable handle finish.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Butterfly Petr Korbel is frequently cited as being very similar in construction and playing characteristics. Both are 5-ply Limba/Ayous blades known for their excellent all-around offensive capabilities, good feel, and spin-friendliness. They often appeal to the same players seeking a high-performance classic wood blade.
Xiom Offensive S
Xiom Offensive S is mentioned as a similar alternative, though potentially a bit less stiff and fast. Both are highly regarded 5-ply all-wood blades that offer a great balance of speed, control, and feel, making them strong choices for players focused on offensive play.