Weight
70g
Thickness
8mm
Plies
3-ply
Head Size
153x153
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Black Balsa 7.0
TSP Black Balsa 7.0 is a standout offensive blade built for aggressive players who demand power and precision. Its hybrid construction centers on a thick 7.0mm balsa core, layered with elastic glass fiber, creating a remarkably lightweight yet potent weapon. This design delivers a significant sweet spot and a soft, springy feel that enhances ball feedback and dampens vibration. While engineered for speed, it maintains surprising control, making it versatile for players who blend powerful smashes with accurate placements. Ideal for quick attacks and close-to-the-table play, it's a favorite among those who prioritize rapid bat speed and direct offensive strokes.
The blade features a 3-ply hybrid construction. A core of thick balsa wood is sandwiched between two outer layers of glass fiber. This design leverages the lightness and vibration-dampening of balsa, combined with the increased speed, stiffness, and enlarged sweet spot provided by the glass fiber.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Black Balsa 7.0 is consistently rated as a very fast blade, ideal for aggressive offensive play. The combination of the balsa core and glass fiber construction creates a powerful ball exit, particularly on hard hits. While it may not reach the extreme speeds of some advanced composite blades, its inherent velocity is a defining characteristic that empowers direct attacks and forceful smashes.
Despite its high-speed nature, Black Balsa 7.0 offers commendable control. This is largely attributed to its large sweet spot, extremely low vibration, and the unique, dampened feel from the balsa wood. It allows for accurate placement and controlled blocking, especially for players whose game revolves around direct, powerful attacks rather than sustained heavy spin rallies.
The feel is often described as soft, springy, and with good feedback. The balsa core contributes to a softer, more dampened sensation compared to many all-wood or carbon blades, providing a clear sense of ball impact that aids in control. Some players note a slightly muffled feel, which is generally seen as a positive for managing the ball.
The throw angle is generally medium to medium-high. This characteristic supports offensive play by providing a good arc on drives and smashes, making it effective for attacking strokes without being excessively high-throwing like some specialized looping blades.
This blade is characterized by very short dwell time, meaning the ball leaves the racket quickly. This trait is beneficial for fast, direct attacks and reactive blocking but is less suited for players who rely on extended contact to generate heavy spin for looping.
Black Balsa 7.0 is perceived as a stiff to medium-stiff blade. While the balsa core offers some inherent flex, the glass fiber layers and overall offensive design make it less flexible than many all-wood blades. This stiffness contributes to its directness and power, ideal for flat hits and smashes.
A key feature is its extremely low vibration. The balsa core combined with glass fiber layers effectively absorbs shock, resulting in a very clean, direct feel without uncomfortable buzzing. This allows for better feel and control, even during powerful shots.
Black Balsa 7.0 is generally regarded as a well-constructed blade, offering excellent value. The integration of glass fiber with the balsa wood results in a durable and effective playing instrument. While TTSensei experts note the overall craftsmanship is positive, some players have observed minor inconsistencies in finish, which is not uncommon in this price segment.
Technology
TSP Black Balsa 7.0 utilizes the patented 'Balsa Fibre Glass System.' This technology integrates elastic glass fiber layers with a core of balsa wood that is uniquely cut horizontally—meaning the wood rings are oriented parallel to the blade face. This construction is engineered to create an exceptionally large sweet spot, minimize vibration, and ensure a precise, uniform ball bounce. The glass fiber provides the stiffness and speed for offensive play, while the balsa core delivers lightness and a comfortable, dampened feel, aiming to offer dynamic speed without sacrificing control or comfort.
Similar Blades
Victas Black Balsa V 7.0
Victas Black Balsa V 7.0 is essentially the successor or rebranded version of the TSP Black Balsa 7.0, as Victas succeeded the TSP brand. It maintains the same core design philosophy of a balsa core with fiber reinforcement, targeting similar lightweight, offensive performance with good control. Players seeking the Black Balsa 7.0 experience will find the Victas version to be a direct and modern alternative.