Weight
75g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
15.6x15.3
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Balsa 5.5 ALL+
TSP Balsa 5.5 ALL+ is a distinctive table tennis blade that masterfully blends a lightweight Balsa core with fiberglass reinforcement. This hybrid construction delivers a lively, responsive feel with a large sweet spot, offering players a perfect balance of controlled all-round play and dynamic offensive power. It's an excellent choice for developing and intermediate players seeking comfort, precision, and the ability to transition smoothly from defense to attack.
The construction follows a symmetrical 5-ply design with a central Balsa wood core. This core is flanked by two fiberglass layers, which are in turn covered by outer wood plies. This 3 wood + 2 fiber layout leverages the Balsa for feel and dampening, while the fiberglass adds speed and stability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Balsa 5.5 ALL+ delivers impressive speed for its category, thanks to the synergy between its lively Balsa core and the fiberglass layers. It generates solid power on flat hits and drives, allowing you to finish points effectively. While not an ultra-fast offensive blade, it provides more than enough pace to transition from defense to attack and keep opponents on their heels, perfect for an all-round plus style.
Control is where this blade truly shines. The Balsa core creates a large, forgiving sweet spot and excellent ball feedback, enabling pinpoint shot placement. Even when you ramp up the power, the blade remains remarkably predictable and consistent. This high level of accuracy makes it a reliable choice for players who build their game around precision and tactical placement.
You'll notice a lively, slightly soft feel from the Balsa core, which provides excellent vibration dampening and a large sweet spot for great feedback. The fiberglass adds a touch of crispness, resulting in a balanced, responsive sensation that communicates ball contact clearly without being harsh.
The combination of materials produces a medium-high throw angle, which naturally helps lift the ball over the net with a good arc. This characteristic is excellent for players who favor aggressive topspin play, as it facilitates looping with safety and depth.
The blade offers a moderate dwell time, which is very effective for spin generation. The Balsa core helps the ball stay on the racket face just long enough to brush and lift it, making it great for spinny serves, opening loops, and controlled topspin rallies.
Balsa 5.5 ALL+ sits in a medium flexibility range. The Balsa core provides a pleasant flex that aids in feeling the ball, while the fiberglass layers add structural firmness. This balanced flex supports both controlled, touch-oriented strokes and confident, powerful attacks.
A key strength is its minimal vibration. The Balsa core acts as a superb natural shock absorber, filtering out harsh feedback and providing a clean, consistent feel on contact. This is a major benefit for players who prefer a solid, comfortable sensation without distracting buzz.
The Balsa 5.5 ALL+ is consistently praised for its solid build and finish. Players appreciate the comfortable grip and the effective marriage of Balsa and fiberglass, which performs reliably over time. It represents good value, offering durable construction and the distinct, pleasant playing feel that TSP blades are known for.
Technology
TSP's Balsa Fibre Glass System centers on a unique Balsa wood core, prized for its extreme lightness and natural shock absorption. This core is responsible for the blade's lively feel and expansive sweet spot. Strategically placed fiberglass layers are integrated to enhance structural integrity and inject dynamic speed, creating a more powerful response than typical all-wood blades. The technology aims to deliver a precise, uniform bounce with minimal vibration, masterfully balancing offensive potential with superior control and tactile feedback for the modern player.
Similar Blades
Stiga Optimum Plus
Players report the Stiga Optimum Plus shares a similar character profile with the Balsa 5.5, offering a comparable blend of control and offensive capability. It's noted to provide slightly more dwell time and may feel a touch faster, making it a viable alternative for those who enjoy the Balsa's feel but are curious about a minor shift in performance balance.