Weight
85g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
160x153
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Hino-Carbon Speed
TSP Hino-Carbon Power is an offensive table tennis blade engineered for dynamic play, blending speed, spin, and control. Crafted in Japan, its 5-ply construction features Hinoki outer plies and a Kiri core reinforced with carbon layers. This design delivers significant power for attacks while the Hinoki provides a softer touch and enhanced control, especially in the short game. Known for its large sweet spot, it offers forgiveness on off-center hits and a unique feel that transitions from slow for delicate shots to fast for powerful drives. Ideal for players who engage in close-to-the-table play with aggressive topspin loops.
This 5-ply construction features outer Hinoki veneers for a soft feel and good touch, sandwiching two layers of carbon fiber for added speed and a larger sweet spot. The Kiri wood core contributes to a lighter weight and helps mitigate the stiffness often associated with carbon blades, providing a more balanced and responsive feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade offers a high level of speed, particularly when committing to powerful strokes. The carbon layers significantly boost its offensive capabilities, making it suitable for fast attacks and drives. However, it exhibits a non-linear response, feeling slower on softer shots, which adds a layer of control to its explosive power.
Despite its offensive speed, the Hino-Carbon Power delivers commendable control. The Hinoki outer plies provide excellent feel, allowing for precise placement and effective short-game play. It excels in blocking and counter-blocking, giving players the confidence to execute controlled shots with consistency.
The blade delivers a very soft feel due to the Hinoki outer plies, which absorb vibrations and provide a pleasant touch. This softness is balanced by underlying carbon layers, creating a unique characteristic where it feels pliant for delicate shots but firms up for powerful hits.
Given its offensive nature and carbon reinforcement, the blade produces a medium-high to high throw angle, particularly on powerful looping shots. This helps in clearing the net with heavy spin, making it effective for aggressive topspin play.
It offers good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the rubber and blade combination. This is crucial for generating heavy spin, especially on powerful loops and serves, with the Hinoki top layer playing a key role in enhancing this effect.
Exhibiting moderate flexibility, the carbon layers provide stiffness for power, while the wood plies, particularly the Hinoki, allow for a degree of flex. This aids in spin generation and contributes to the softer touch on impact.
The blade manages vibration effectively. While carbon can sometimes create a harsh feel, the Hinoki outer plies and core construction help dampen excessive vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable and controlled hitting experience.
Recognized for superior craftsmanship, this blade utilizes premium Japanese Hinoki wood and well-integrated carbon layers. The attention to detail in construction ensures durability and consistent performance, making it a high-quality piece of equipment praised for its materials and finish.
Technology
The TSP Hino-Carbon Power utilizes a hybrid construction, integrating two layers of carbon fiber within a five-ply wood structure. This design leverages the power and speed of carbon composites while retaining the feel and control of traditional wood blades. The use of premium Japanese Hinoki for the outer plies, coupled with a Kiri wood core, enhances touch, reduces weight, and provides a softer hitting sensation compared to blades with harder outer plies. This construction enables a non-linear speed response, where the blade's power becomes more pronounced during forceful strokes, offering a dynamic playing experience.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Li Jia Wei
Li Jia Wei, a prominent former professional player from Singapore who achieved a top 10 world ranking, used this blade during the later stages of her career. Her aggressive, all-around game, combining powerful topspin attacks with solid defensive capabilities, was well-complemented by its blend of speed and control. The Hino-Carbon Power provided the necessary offensive power for her attacking strokes while offering enough feel and control for precise shot-making, particularly in the close-to-the-table game she favored.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria / Timo Boll ALC
The Hino-Carbon Power is often compared to blades like the Butterfly Viscaria and Timo Boll ALC, which also feature carbon layers integrated with wood plies for a similar offensive profile. While often considered faster, these alternatives are sometimes perceived as having less distinct feel or a harsher vibration compared to the Hino-Carbon Power's softer Hinoki touch. Players seeking similar speed and power but with a more nuanced, softer feel might consider the Hino-Carbon Power as an excellent alternative.