Weight
70g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x153
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Balsa 5.5 Fitter
TSP Balsa 5.5 Fitter is an offensive table tennis blade designed for players seeking a dynamic blend of speed and precision. Its unique construction centers on a 5.5mm balsa wood core, layered with fiberglass and finished with outer wood plies. This hybrid design aims to deliver the lightweight, vibration-dampening qualities of balsa enhanced by the stiffness and power of fiberglass. The 'Fitter' designation highlights an improved grip for better stability and feel. It excels in fast topspins and controlled blocks, offering a substantial sweet spot and a responsive, agile character perfect for an aggressive, all-round offensive style.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction. It starts with an outer wood layer, followed by a fiberglass layer, a central 5.5mm balsa wood core, another fiberglass layer, and finishes with an outer wood layer. This stack is designed to be lightweight and stiff, using the balsa for feel and the fiberglass for power and stability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
TSP Balsa 5.5 Fitter is considered a fast blade, well-suited for offensive play. The 5.5mm balsa core combined with fiberglass layers generates significant power for drives and topspins. Our testing shows it delivers ample pace for an aggressive game, with the Fitter version often noted for having a slight edge in responsiveness, making it a compelling choice for players who rely on speed in their attacks.
Despite its speed, this blade is highly regarded for its exceptional control. The balsa core creates a large, forgiving sweet spot and effectively reduces vibration, which contributes to precise ball placement and a comfortable feel during rallies. Players report this makes it excellent for controlled blocking and accurate offensive shots, allowing for confidence in both power and placement.
Feel on the Balsa 5.5 Fitter draws varied opinions. The balsa core provides inherent dampening, leading to a medium, controlled sensation on contact, especially for slower shots. However, some players find the feedback less distinct, describing it as somewhat muted. The Fitter grip aims to enhance this connection, offering improved stability for a more confident hold.
It generally produces a medium-low throw angle. This characteristic helps players keep shots lower and flatter, which is advantageous for aggressive, direct play and effective blocking. While not designed for high-arc loops, it provides enough lift for controlled topspin rallies.
This blade offers a medium dwell time. The natural flexibility of the balsa core allows for good ball contact, aiding spin generation. However, the fiberglass layers add stiffness, which can slightly reduce dwell compared to all-wood blades. The result is a balanced contact time suitable for players who want a good mix of spin and direct speed.
Flexibility is medium. The balsa core provides some inherent give, while the fiberglass adds stabilizing stiffness. This balance allows for a good combination of power on offensive swings and control on softer, touch-based strokes, making the blade adaptable to various playing situations.
Vibration is notably low. The balsa core excels at absorbing shock, and this effect is reinforced by the fiberglass layers, creating a smooth, clean bounce with minimal feedback to the hand. This low-vibration profile enhances control and comfort, reducing fatigue during long playing sessions.
TSP Balsa 5.5 Fitter is generally seen as a blade of good quality. The construction, featuring a balsa core and fiberglass, is well-executed with a beautiful finish. While some users express concerns about the durability of the balsa edges against impacts, the overall build and materials are considered solid and satisfactory for its category, reflecting reliable Japanese craftsmanship.
Technology
The TSP Balsa Fitter series utilizes a unique Balsa-Fiberglass system. At its core is cross-cut balsa wood with vertically aligned fibers, surrounded by outer plies incorporating fiberglass. This design aims to create a spring-like effect where the blade deforms slightly on impact, extending ball contact time. This extended dwell, combined with power from the fiberglass, seeks to provide excellent control alongside inherent speed. The fiberglass also enhances stability and dampens vibration. The 'Fitter' aspect specifically refers to an improved grip design intended to boost feel and handling stability for the player.
Similar Blades
TSP Balsa 4.5 Fitter
TSP Balsa 4.5 Fitter is a direct sibling with a thinner 4.5mm balsa core. This generally results in a slightly softer feel, more flexibility, and a touch more dwell time, while still offering good control. It's an excellent alternative for players who want a similar offensive character but with a bit less outright speed and a more pronounced feeling for the ball.
Victas Balsa 5.5
Victas Balsa 5.5 shares the core 5.5mm balsa and fiberglass technology. While it may lack the specific Fitter grip enhancements, it delivers a comparable offensive all-round experience with good speed and control. Players may notice subtle differences in feel due to potential manufacturing refinements, but it remains a very similar performance option.