Weight
73g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x153
Handles
ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Balsa 4.5 ALL
TSP Balsa 4.5 ALL is a lightweight hybrid blade built for versatile allround play. Its unique balsa core, paired with fiberglass layers and wood veneers, creates a large sweet spot that balances speed with exceptional control. Players enjoy its sensitive touch, precise feedback, and minimal vibration, making it ideal for controlled topspins, accurate blocks, and consistent counter-hits. This blade supports a wide range of techniques while reducing fatigue during long matches.
This 3+2 construction layers a lightweight balsa core between fiberglass sheets and outer wood veneers. The balsa provides soft touch and vibration dampening, while the fiberglass enhances the sweet spot and adds stiffness and speed, aiming for excellent control and feel without sacrificing offensive capability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Balsa 4.5 ALL offers sensible speed that outpaces typical allround blades, landing it in a moderate tempo category. Our testing shows it provides enough pace for controlled attacks and fast counter-hits, but it remains well-balanced and isn't designed for pure offensive power. This makes it suitable for players who mix varied shots without sacrificing control.
Control is where this blade truly excels. Players report exceptional precision and confidence in shot placement, thanks to the balsa core and fiberglass construction that minimizes vibrations. You get clear feedback on blocks, pushes, and controlled topspins, allowing for accurate execution even under pressure.
You experience a distinct soft touch and sensitivity from the balsa core, allowing clear ball contact feel that benefits touch shots and spin control. The fiberglass layers add some firmness, but the overall sensation remains connected and not hard.
Throw angle is medium-high, which helps develop topspin and loop shots by facilitating a good attacking trajectory. Interestingly, blocks tend to have a lower throw, aiding in keeping them on the table consistently.
Dwell time is moderate, providing enough contact for effective spin generation, especially when paired with suitable rubbers. It supports brushing the ball for topspin, though some players note it's less pronounced compared to faster blades.
Flexibility sits in a medium range. The balsa core offers some give, while the fiberglass layers add stiffness, creating a balanced response that aids spin generation and controlled power without feeling too whippy or overly rigid.
Vibration is remarkably low. The balsa and fiberglass combination dampens unwanted feedback, resulting in a clean, precise bounce that feels almost vibration-free, enhancing control and comfort.
Craftsmanship is consistently praised, with a durable build and sensitive feel that reflects reliable manufacturing. The blade performs consistently, and its construction holds up well over time, meeting the high standards players expect from quality equipment.
Technology
TSP Balsa 4.5 ALL utilizes the Balsa-Fiberglass System, featuring a cross-cut balsa core with vertically aligned fibers integrated with outer horizontal plies containing fiberglass. This design enlarges the sweet spot for a more forgiving hitting area and enhances feel. Balsa's natural vibration-dampening combines with fiberglass responsiveness to produce a precise, uniform ball bounce with minimal unwanted vibration. The technology aims for large surface deformation, delivering excellent feeling and control while maintaining dynamic speed.
Similar Blades
TSP Balsa 3.5 DEF+
Part of the same Balsa Fiber series, the 3.5 DEF+ shares similar construction but leans more defensive. It offers very high control and safety, ideal for defensive and modern defensive players, while the 4.5 provides a more balanced allround option.
Victas Balsa 5.5 ALL+
A step up in speed from the 4.5, the 5.5 ALL+ retains the balsa-fiberglass build but adds more offensive capability. It suits players wanting extra power for their allround game, bridging the gap between control-focused play and aggressive styles.