Weight
65g
Thickness
8.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
156x153
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Black Balsa 5.0
Victas Black Balsa 5.0 is a remarkably lightweight and balanced blade engineered for controlled topspin play and precise close-to-the-table attacks. Its signature 5.0mm balsa core creates a unique synergy, offering accessible speed alongside high control. Integrated fiberglass layers expand the sweet spot and provide a uniform, vibration-dampened feel. This exceptional lightness allows for rapid racket maneuvering and reduces fatigue, making it an excellent choice for allround offensive players of all levels, including those who prioritize agility or have physical considerations.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction. It has wood outer layers, followed by two inner layers of glass fiber, which sandwich the prominent 5.0mm balsa wood core at the center. This structure provides lightness from the balsa and stability from the fiberglass.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Speed sits comfortably in the ALL/OFF range, making it suitable for allround play with offensive capabilities. It's not overwhelmingly fast, which directly contributes to its renowned high control, but it provides ample power for effective smashes and drives when you commit to the shot properly.
Control is the standout feature of the Black Balsa 5.0. Its lightweight nature and balanced construction grant exceptional maneuverability and precision across all strokes, from delicate pushes and blocks to well-controlled topspin loops.
The balsa core provides a unique, somewhat soft initial touch with good feedback. The integrated fiberglass layers contribute to a more uniform and dampened feel, creating a large sweet spot with excellent sensitivity for ball contact.
The combination of balsa and fiberglass, along with its ALL/OFF character, suggests a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for generating spin on offensive shots, and the blade's high control allows players to manage this trajectory effectively.
The balsa core provides a good dwell time, allowing for effective spin generation on serves and looping drives. This is enhanced by the blade's controllable nature, letting players brush the ball effectively for added spin.
The blade offers a medium level of flexibility, contributing to its balanced playing characteristics. It's not overly stiff, allowing for some flex during powerful shots which aids in spin production and overall control.
The combination of balsa and fiberglass creates a very uniform bounce without excessive vibration. Players report a clean, connected feeling on contact without harshness or unwanted feedback.
TTSensei experts note that Victas (formerly TSP) is known for high-quality manufacturing. The combination of a distinctive balsa core with integrated fiberglass, built with precision, results in a durable and well-crafted blade that feels solid and reliable in hand.
Technology
Victas Black Balsa 5.0 utilizes a unique construction centered on a thick 5.0mm balsa wood core, renowned for its extreme lightness and shock-absorbing properties. This core is sandwiched between wood layers and two integrated layers of fiberglass. The fiberglass plies are strategically placed to enhance the blade's stability, significantly expand its sweet spot, and ensure a consistent, predictable bounce. This technological synergy aims to deliver a large, forgiving hitting zone with excellent feeling and control, without sacrificing the dynamic speed needed for offensive play. The inherent lightness of balsa is a key advantage, enabling rapid movements and reducing player fatigue over long sessions.
Similar Blades
TSP Balsa 4.5mm Allround
The TSP Balsa 4.5mm is a similar blade from the earlier series, also featuring a balsa core and directional fiber layers. The 5.0mm version is generally considered slightly faster due to its thicker balsa layer. Both are part of a lineage that has largely been succeeded by the Black Balsa line.
Victas Black Balsa 7.0
The Victas Black Balsa 7.0 serves as a direct counterpart, differing primarily in its balsa core thickness (7.0mm vs 5.0mm). This thicker core results in a harder feel, potentially offering more speed and slightly less control compared to the 5.0. Both blades are celebrated for their exceptionally lightweight characteristics.