Weight
67.5g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Black Balsa 6.0
TSP Black Balsa 6.0 is engineered for powerful offensive players seeking enhanced speed and precision. Its design centers around a 6.0mm balsa core fortified with fiberglass layers, creating a unique playing experience with a substantial sweet spot. This construction provides excellent feel and control alongside dynamic speed. The blade is notably lightweight, making it agile and easier to handle during fast-paced rallies. It's well-suited for aggressive topspin play and precise shot-making, offering a compelling option for players looking to elevate their offensive game.
The construction features a thick 6.0mm balsa core, which is the primary contributor to the blade's lightness and speed. This core is reinforced with fiberglass layers to enhance stiffness, speed, and create a larger sweet spot. The outer plies are Ayous, a common wood that complements the balsa and fiberglass. This hybrid construction aims to maximize offensive power while retaining control and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The 6.0mm balsa core combined with fiberglass generates significant speed for offensive play. While not the absolute fastest in its series, it provides ample power for aggressive topspins and smashes. Our testing shows it offers a good balance between raw speed and controllability, making it a reliable offensive tool without being overly demanding.
Despite its offensive capabilities, Black Balsa 6.0 offers good control, largely attributed to its large sweet spot and the unique feel from the balsa core and fiberglass. This allows for precise shot placement and better management of aggressive strokes. Players report it handles well for an offensive blade, making it suitable for those who value both power and accuracy.
The balsa core provides a unique, slightly softer feel compared to traditional all-wood blades, enhanced by the fiberglass layers. This results in a large sweet spot with excellent sensation, allowing players to sense the ball well during impact. The overall feel is lively and responsive.
The combination of balsa and fiberglass, along with the offensive design, produces a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for generating powerful topspin shots with a good arc, allowing the ball to clear the net effectively and land deep on the table.
The balsa core and fiberglass combination offers decent dwell time for an offensive blade, aiding spin generation on serves and loops. The construction promotes a slight holding effect on the ball, which is beneficial for controlled offensive play.
While an offensive blade, Black Balsa 6.0 is not excessively stiff. The balsa core provides a degree of flexibility that aids in spin generation and control, preventing it from feeling overly rigid. It offers a balanced flex that supports both power and touch.
The blade is designed to minimize vibration through its specific balsa core and fiberglass layer construction. This results in a clean, direct feel of the ball with minimal unwanted feedback, allowing players to focus on their shots without distraction.
The blade is generally regarded as well-constructed, utilizing a combination of balsa and fiberglass with good manufacturing standards. TTSensei experts note the materials and craftsmanship are solid for its intended purpose. While individual experiences with feel can vary, the overall build quality is considered good and consistent.
Technology
The TSP Black Balsa series utilizes a unique construction centered around a thick balsa wood core enhanced by micro-layers of elastic fiberglass. This proprietary design aims to create a blade that is both powerful and lightweight. The balsa core provides natural elasticity and shock-absorbing properties, contributing to a large sweet spot and unique feel. The integrated fiberglass adds stiffness and power for aggressive offensive play. This combination delivers a balanced playing experience by harmonizing speed, control, and a comfortable, vibration-dampened feel.
Similar Blades
TSP Black Balsa 6.5
Many players compare the 6.0 to its thicker 6.5 counterpart. Our testing shows the 6.5 is generally faster and stiffer, offering a different balance of speed and feel. Some players prefer the 6.5 for its more pronounced offensive characteristics, making it a key alternative within the same series.
TSP Black Balsa 5.0
The 5.0 model features a thinner 5.0mm balsa core and is described as an ALL/OFF blade. TTSensei experts note it offers a good mix of speed and control suitable for controlled topspin and blocking. It's considered slower than the 6.0, making it an alternative for players who might find the 6.0 slightly too fast or less controllable.