Weight
85g
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Award Offensive
TSP Award Offensive is a celebrated 5-ply all-wood blade that delivers a masterful balance of speed and control. Its innovative Reflex System dampens vibrations and expands the sweet spot, creating a sensitive feel and consistent performance. A bestseller in Europe and Japan, this versatile blade appeals to a wide range of players, offering excellent value. It's an ideal offensive weapon for developing and advanced players who want powerful attacks without sacrificing precise placement.
The blade is constructed from 5 plies of wood. Some sources mention a '5+2' classification, suggesting additional adhesive sheets or treated outer layers, though the primary composition is wood. The Reflex System is integrated into the grip area, not within the wood plies themselves.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
TSP Award Offensive is considered a fast blade, especially notable for a 5-ply all-wood construction. It delivers enough pace for powerful drives and smashes, with many players noting its surprising speed that can rival some composite blades. It excels in close-to-the-table attacking play, providing the necessary thrust for offensive maneuvers.
Control is a defining strength of the Award Offensive. Despite its speed, the blade offers excellent feel and stability, allowing for precise placement and effective short-game play. The Reflex System contributes to a larger sweet spot and better ball feedback, helping players maintain control consistently during fast rallies.
The blade offers a sensitive yet firm feel. While it's an all-wood construction, the Reflex System and possibly treated outer layers provide a slightly harder touch than a standard all-wood blade, combined with effective vibration dampening. This results in good ball feedback without excessive harshness.
The combination of speed and dwell time suggests a medium to medium-high throw angle, which is advantageous for looping and attacking shots. This allows the ball to clear the net with sufficient arc, supporting an offensive playing style.
Award Offensive provides good dwell time, allowing players to impart significant spin on the ball. The construction and Reflex System contribute to a feeling of the ball sinking into the racket, which is beneficial for spin generation, especially on loops and serves.
The blade has a moderate level of flexibility, which contributes to its dwell time and spin-friendly characteristics. It's not overly stiff, allowing for a more forgiving feel and better ball absorption during strokes, making it accessible for various techniques.
The Reflex System is specifically designed to dampen vibrations, resulting in a very low vibration feel. This leads to a cleaner impact and enhanced control, as excessive buzzing is minimized, providing a stable and comfortable hitting sensation.
Build quality is rated very good, especially considering its competitive price point. The finish is smooth and well-polished, with comfortable handles that enhance the playing experience. It's seen as a durable blade that offers excellent value, often compared favorably to more expensive options in terms of craftsmanship.
Technology
TSP Award Offensive incorporates the Reflex System, a unique technology integrated into the grip area. This system uses specialized fabrics or cushioning materials between the blade and the grip to dampen vibrations, enhance the sweet spot, and create a feeling of the ball sinking into the racket. The result is improved control, increased dwell time for spin, and a more sensitive feel without sacrificing offensive speed. The blade's construction, often described as 5+2 (5 plies of wood plus adhesive sheets), also contributes to its balanced performance characteristics.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Not specifically named
While specific professional player names are not consistently cited, the blade's popularity among TSP's sponsored players and professional coaches indicates its suitability for high-level play. Its balance of speed and control makes it a versatile choice for players who employ a dynamic, offensive style that incorporates significant spin.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
Players report the Award Offensive is comparable to the Stiga Clipper Wood in terms of its all-wood offensive capabilities, while often offering better value and a distinct feel due to its Reflex System.
Avalox P500
Many players find the Award Offensive superior to the Avalox P500, noting it provides a better balance of speed and control, making it a more versatile option for offensive play.
Butterfly Petr Korbel
TTSensei experts note the Award Offensive has a similar feel to the Butterfly Petr Korbel but is generally faster, offering more offensive power while maintaining good touch and control.