Weight
82.5g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gaia
TSP Gaia is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade celebrated for its masterful balance of speed and control. It delivers a direct, honest feel with a characteristically low and flat ball trajectory, making it a top choice for attackers who prioritize consistency and a straightforward playing style. While it lacks carbon reinforcement, it generates substantial power suitable for a full offensive arsenal—from explosive topspins and smashes to precise short game maneuvers. Its well-executed construction and reliable performance make it a trusted, effective tool for players seeking a pure wood offensive experience.
This classic symmetrical 5-ply construction uses harder Koto outer plies for added speed and directness, with softer Ayous and Kiri inner plies providing flexibility and enhanced feel. The combination results in a blade that is both responsive and powerful while maintaining excellent control and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
TSP Gaia earns high marks for speed, consistently described as fast or in the OFF- category. While it doesn't reach the extreme velocities of composite blades, its 5-ply construction—particularly the harder outer plies—generates significant pace for offensive shots. Our testing shows its speed is comparable to some well-known composite blades but delivered with greater consistency and a more predictable response.
Control is the standout hallmark of the TSP Gaia, consistently rated at the top of the scale. This exceptional control enables precise ball placement and flawless execution across all strokes, from aggressive attacks to delicate short game touches. The blade's 'honest' character means the ball reliably goes exactly where you intend, providing a high level of confidence during play.
TSP Gaia offers a direct and responsive feel best described as medium-hard. It provides clear feedback with a perceptible yet controlled flex—never feeling 'sleepy' or dead. Some players perceive it as firm, while others appreciate the good amount of feeling and dwell time it offers, especially when combined with specific rubber choices.
Players consistently report that TSP Gaia produces a low, flat ball trajectory. This characteristic is highly advantageous for aggressive, direct attacking play, helping keep shots low over the net and making them challenging for opponents to counter.
For a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade, TSP Gaia provides a very respectable dwell time. This characteristic supports effective spin generation, particularly with modern rubbers, though some players note spin creation might not be as effortless as with blades featuring softer outer plies like Limba.
TSP Gaia exhibits a medium level of flexibility. It's not overly stiff, possessing a noticeable flex that aids dwell time and feel, facilitating controlled topspin and spin-oriented play while remaining responsive and direct.
This blade is noted for having minimal vibration, which contributes significantly to its controlled, direct feel. The sharp rebound with low vibration helps maintain accuracy and stability during fast exchanges and powerful shots.
TSP Gaia is recognized as a well-made blade with very good craftsmanship. The quality wood construction provides a solid, durable feel that contributes to its long-term performance consistency. Players report a satisfying build quality that supports its reputation as a reliable offensive tool.
Technology
TSP Gaia exemplifies traditional blade craftsmanship through its finely tuned 5-ply all-wood construction. This design philosophy optimizes the natural properties of wood to achieve an ideal balance of speed, control, and feel. The layered structure—typically pairing harder outer woods like Koto with softer cores of Ayous and Kiri—is engineered to deliver a direct response and a characteristically low, flat trajectory. This approach ensures a consistent and honest playing experience without synthetic materials, appealing strongly to players who cherish a pure wood sensation. The Gaia II continues this legacy as a successor to a renowned series, upholding a lineage of quality performance.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Cornélia
Butterfly Cornélia is often mentioned in comparisons with TSP Gaia. Players report the Cornélia may offer slightly better flex and feel, while others prefer the Gaia for its synergy with specific rubbers and its value proposition. This suggests they share similar playing characteristics in the offensive all-wood category.
Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit
The speed of TSP Gaia is noted as being close to the Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit, but our analysis shows the Gaia provides more consistency and an 'honest' feel due to its all-wood 5-ply construction. This makes it a compelling alternative for players seeking similar offensive capability with greater predictability and a more controlled, traditional wood sensation.