Weight
80g
Thickness
8mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Balsa 6.5 OFF Fitter
TSP Balsa 6.5 OFF Fitter is engineered for aggressive offensive players seeking a potent blend of speed and control. Its signature 6.5mm balsa core provides lightweight power and vibration dampening, while integrated fiberglass layers enhance stability and enlarge the sweet spot. The 'Fitter' grip design optimizes handling for a secure feel. This construction delivers fast, penetrating shots ideal for powerful topspins, drives, and smashes, yet it maintains impressive ball control, making it a versatile weapon for players who attack with confidence.
The construction follows a symmetrical five-ply build: wood outer veneers, fiberglass layers, and a central 6.5mm balsa core. This design pairs the lightweight, dampening balsa with the stabilizing and sweet-spot-enhancing properties of fiberglass, all wrapped in wood for rubber adhesion and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Our testing shows this blade generates significant speed, living up to its OFF rating. The 6.5mm balsa core and fiberglass construction work together to produce a fast, powerful response ideal for drives, smashes, and aggressive topspins. It's designed for players who want to dictate the pace of the rally with direct, penetrating shots.
Despite its high speed, the Balsa 6.5 OFF Fitter maintains excellent ball control. TTSensei experts note this is largely due to the balsa core's vibration-dampening properties and the enlarged sweet spot provided by the fiberglass layers. The 'Fitter' grip also contributes to stable handling, making it surprisingly controllable for an offensive blade, even during fast exchanges.
The blade offers a stiff, direct feel. While balsa can be soft, the thick core paired with fiberglass creates a firm, responsive touch. Players describe it as having limited feedback, which provides a very solid and predictable connection on impact, favoring power over dwell.
It produces a medium-low throw angle, facilitating sharper, lower-trajectory shots. This is beneficial for keeping the ball fast and low over the net, especially effective in blocking and counter-driving situations where a flatter arc is advantageous.
Dwell time is medium, leaning towards the shorter side. The stiff construction promotes a quick ball exit, which is excellent for direct, fast shots and blocks. While the balsa core offers some absorption, the blade is optimized for speed rather than extended ball contact for heavy spin generation.
This is a very stiff blade. The combination of the thick balsa core and fiberglass layers results in minimal flex. This rigidity contributes directly to its speed and power, making it excellent for direct attacks but less forgiving for players who rely on blade bending to aid spin creation.
Vibration levels are moderate. The balsa core is excellent at absorbing shock, which dampens harsh feedback. However, the overall stiffness of the blade transmits a solid, clean sensation rather than a muted or highly resonant one, resulting in a controlled feel.
TSP has a strong reputation for durable equipment, and this blade reflects that. The combination of balsa and fiberglass suggests robust construction designed for longevity. Players report good handle durability, with the 'Fitter' grip material holding up well over time, indicating a well-made product suitable for regular play.
Technology
TSP Balsa 6.5 OFF Fitter centers on a 6.5mm thick balsa wood core, renowned for its extreme lightness and vibration absorption. This core is augmented by fiberglass veneers that add stiffness, stabilize the blade, and significantly enlarge the sweet spot. The 'Fitter' technology refers to an optimized grip design that uses a specialized material to enhance feeling and stability in the hand. Together, this system creates a blade that leverages balsa's unique properties for offensive power while using composite materials to refine control and consistency.
Similar Blades
TSP Balsa 5.5 Fitter
For players who find the 6.5mm version too stiff, the TSP Balsa 5.5 Fitter offers a slightly thinner balsa core. This typically results in a blade with a bit more dwell time and a softer feel, while still retaining strong offensive capabilities. It's an excellent alternative within the same series for those seeking a more forgiving touch.
Victas Balsa 6.5
The Victas Balsa 6.5 is considered the modern successor to this TSP model. It maintains the core concept of a fast, balsa-cored offensive blade. Players note that while the performance profile is similar, there can be subtle differences in feel and manufacturing quality, making it a logical alternative for those seeking an updated version.