Weight
90g
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Altero
TSP Altero is a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade built for players who demand a powerful yet controlled game. Its hard wood construction delivers impressive rebound and speed, perfect for aggressive topspin rallies and fast-paced attacks. The blade offers excellent dwell time for heavy spin generation and a firm, direct feel that provides clear feedback. Designed for close-to-table and mid-distance offensive play, it balances high-level performance with great value, making it a compelling choice for serious players seeking an all-wood power option.
Altero is constructed from seven plies of hard wood. While the specific wood types for each layer are not detailed, the consistent use of hard woods throughout the stack is responsible for its speed, rebound, and firm playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Altero delivers significant offensive speed, powered by its 7-ply hard wood construction that provides excellent rebound. Players report it's well-suited for fast-paced, aggressive play, generating powerful shots for topspin rallies. While very fast, its speed feels integrated and manageable, placing it firmly in the fast+ category for all-wood blades without being uncontrollable.
For a blade with such speed, Altero maintains impressive control. Its construction offers good stability for spin-oriented shots and effective touch in the short game. The direct feel helps with precision, making it a balanced option where offensive power doesn't come at the expense of placement and consistency.
Altero provides a distinctly hard, direct feel upon ball contact. This firm sensation offers clear, unfiltered feedback, which many offensive players appreciate for making precise, powerful shots. The feel is solid and responsive without being overly harsh.
The combination of good dwell time and spin generation creates a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is ideal for offensive looping, allowing players to lift the ball with heavy spin for powerful, arcing attacks.
A key strength of this blade is its excellent dwell time. The wood composition allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer, which is essential for generating heavy spin on loops and aggressive opening shots.
This blade leans toward the stiff end of the spectrum, aligning with its hard feel and offensive purpose. The stiffness provides a solid, stable platform for powerful drives and counters, offering minimal flex for a direct transfer of energy.
Despite its hard feel, Altero manages vibrations well. Players report a clean impact with no unwanted or excessive shaking, contributing to a stable and focused hitting sensation that doesn't distract from shot execution.
Altero is generally regarded as a well-made, high-quality blade offering great value. The build feels solid and reliable. However, players should note that some care is advised when changing rubbers, as the hard wood can be susceptible to splintering if not handled properly, suggesting a potential benefit from sealing the edges.
Technology
TSP Altero's performance is driven by its specialized 7-ply all-wood construction. It utilizes select hard woods arranged to maximize rebound and energy transfer, aiming to deliver composite-like speed without synthetic materials. The focus is on a precise ply composition and processing to enhance the natural properties of wood, creating a blade with high speed, excellent spin potential, and a direct, hard feel for offensive dominance.
Similar Blades
TSP Swat
Often compared directly, the TSP Swat is another popular 7-ply all-wood blade from the same brand. Players report the Altero is generally harder, faster, and more powerful than the Swat, while still maintaining good control and spin. It's a common upgrade for players who find the Swat lacks the outright power they desire for their offensive game.