Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5.45mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
151x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Stratus Samsonov Carbon
Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon is an offensive blade crafted for aggressive players who demand control. Developed with Vladimir Samsonov, it merges high-quality wood veneers with a Kevlar-Carbon composite, delivering a blend of hardness, stability, and a sensitive feel. This design generates substantial power and penetrating shots while maintaining the precision needed for modern play. Its balanced nature supports a wide offensive repertoire, from close-table attacks to mid-distance rallies, offering consistent performance for dedicated players with a high training load.
This 5+2 construction places the Kevlar-Carbon layers internally, beneath the top wood plies. This configuration is designed to offer the power and stiffness of carbon while maintaining a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to blades with outer carbon layers. The outer Limba and inner Ayous plies contribute to ball sensitivity and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Stratus Samsonov Carbon is consistently rated as a very fast blade, ideal for an offensive game. The Kevlar-Carbon layers deliver significant power for aggressive shots, placing its speed in the upper offensive range. While not the absolute fastest available, it provides an excellent balance of speed and power that suits dedicated attackers looking for explosive performance without losing touch.
Despite its high speed, this blade is celebrated for its remarkable control, a hallmark of its collaboration with Vladimir Samsonov. The inward placement of the Kevlar-Carbon layers and carefully selected wood veneers contribute to a controlled feel, enabling precise placement and stable blocking. This balance makes it a top choice for advanced players who need both power and finesse in their game.
The feel is often described as medium-hard, providing a direct connection with the ball. While the Kevlar-Carbon layers add stiffness, their inner placement and the wood plies prevent an overly dead or hard sensation. This balance offers clear feedback and vibration dampening, letting players sense ball contact while harnessing the carbon's power.
The combination of speed, stiffness, and dwell time results in a medium-high throw angle, advantageous for powerful topspin shots and good net clearance. This angle suits aggressive players who rely on high-arc shots to pressure opponents effectively.
Our testing shows good dwell time, which is particularly beneficial for generating spin. The internal placement of the Kevlar-Carbon layers allows for more ball contact compared to outer-carbon blades, enabling players to loop with significant spin and control—a key factor for modern offensive play.
The blade is generally on the stiffer side due to the Kevlar-Carbon layers. However, compared to blades with outer carbon or very thick construction, it offers a degree of flex, especially during powerful shots. This flexibility aids spin generation and prevents the blade from feeling too rigid, adding a touch of liveliness to strokes.
Players report moderate vibration levels. The carbon layers reduce some vibration compared to all-wood blades, but don't eliminate it entirely. This provides useful feedback without being jarring, contributing to the blade's controlled and communicative feel during play.
Players consistently praise the blade for its high build quality and premium materials. The combination of selected wood and Kevlar-Carbon results in a durable, well-crafted product that delivers a superior playing sensation. Attention to detail in construction ensures a reliable and enjoyable experience, contributing to its strong reputation among users.
Technology
Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon utilizes a specialized 5+2 ply construction with Kevlar-Carbon layers positioned inwardly beneath the outer wood plies. This 'Inner Fiber' technology enhances power and stability while preserving a softer touch and increased dwell time, contrasting with outer-fiber designs. Carefully selected wood veneers—Limba for the outer layers and Ayous for inner layers, with a Kiri or Ayous core—contribute to a balanced feel, controlled vibrations, and excellent spin generation. This approach creates an offensive weapon that remains exceptionally controllable and responsive.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Vladimir Samsonov
Vladimir Samsonov, a legendary player known for his long career at the top, was instrumental in developing and promoting the Stratus Samsonov Carbon. His all-around offensive game, emphasizing touch, control, and spin, aligns perfectly with the blade's characteristics—speed, control, and sensitive feel. He used this blade for powerful topspin, precise blocking, and excellent shot-making before switching to the Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro.
Bojan Tokic
Bojan Tokic, a Slovenian professional, has been noted to use the Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon. As an offensive player with a dynamic style featuring powerful forehand and backhand strokes, the blade's combination of speed and control would have suited his aggressive approach, allowing him to generate significant spin and power while maintaining accuracy for high-level competition.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Innerforce ALC
TTSensei experts note the Stratus Samsonov Carbon is a compelling alternative to the Butterfly Innerforce ALC. Both feature inner carbon (ALC) construction, providing a softer feel and better dwell time than outer-carbon blades while retaining offensive power. The Stratus version is often seen as a more affordable option with similar playing characteristics, appealing to players who enjoy the responsive nature of inner carbon designs.
Tibhar Samsonov Carbon
The Tibhar Samsonov Carbon is a closely related blade sharing the Samsonov name and carbon technology. However, the Stratus version generally offers more control and a slightly softer feel compared to the regular Samsonov Carbon, which is described as more uncompromisingly offensive and faster. The Stratus provides a better balance for players executing a wide range of precise offensive shots.