Weight
85g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Reflex 50 Award OFF
TSP Reflex 50 Award OFF is a highly regarded offensive blade prized for its sensitive feel and excellent balance of speed and control. It features TSP's signature Reflex dampening system integrated into the grip, which absorbs vibrations and allows the blade to flex slightly on impact. This design makes it a favorite for players who rely on spin-based strategies and controlled offensive play. The blade is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and impressive performance at its price point, offering versatility that pairs well with a range of rubbers for close-to-the-table attacks or mid-distance looping.
The TSP Reflex 50 Award OFF uses a 5-ply all-wood construction. While specific wood types aren't detailed, the layered design combined with the Reflex dampening system in the handle creates its characteristic feel. This construction emphasizes a balance of flexibility and stiffness, providing good dwell time for spin and sufficient power for offensive shots.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
TSP Reflex 50 Award OFF delivers a speed rating of 8.3, offering good pace for fast attacks and looping. It provides solid offensive capability while retaining significant control, making it a balanced offensive option rather than an all-out speed demon. This balance allows players to execute powerful shots without sacrificing consistency or feel.
A standout feature is its high control, largely attributed to the Reflex dampening system. This technology absorbs vibrations and enhances feel, allowing for precise ball placement and consistent stroke execution even during fast offensive play. You get excellent touch and confidence in your shot-making.
The blade offers a sensitive, medium-hard touch that players love for blocking and driving. The Reflex dampening system provides unique feedback by absorbing vibrations, delivering clear stroke information without being overly harsh. It maintains enough flexibility to allow for good dwell time and ball pocketing.
Players report that the blade produces a nice arc on loops, indicating a medium-high throw angle. This characteristic is beneficial for generating topspin and clearing the net effectively, making it particularly effective for spin-oriented attacking play and consistent looping.
TSP Reflex 50 Award OFF provides good dwell time, enhanced by its flexibility and how it flexes with the player's swing. This allows the ball to sink into the rubber longer, facilitating more spin generation on loops and controlled shots. The responsive nature helps players create heavy spin with confidence.
This blade is described as quite flexible, contributing to its good dwell time and spin-friendly characteristics. The flexibility allows the blade to absorb impact and provide an elastic response for looping and controlled offensive shots, giving players more time to impart spin and direction.
The Reflex dampening system effectively manages vibrations by absorbing excess harshness while still allowing enough feedback to reach the player's hand. This moderate vibration level provides a good balance between comfort and stroke information, helping players feel their contact quality without discomfort.
Players consistently praise the build quality, noting its smooth finish, comfortable handle, and overall solid construction. Despite its accessible price, it often compares favorably to more expensive blades in terms of craftsmanship and durability. The attention to detail in manufacturing contributes to its reliable performance.
Technology
TSP Reflex 50 Award OFF features the proprietary Reflex dampening system. This technology integrates special impact-absorbing cushioning materials, typically fabrics, into the junction between the blade and the grip. The system creates a slight bowing effect upon ball impact, allowing the ball to 'dig in' more effectively. This results in enhanced control and spin capabilities by managing vibrations and providing more sensitive feedback. The technology has been key to the blade's popularity, offering advanced performance characteristics at an accessible price point.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
TTSensei experts note that TSP Reflex 50 Award OFF plays similarly to the Nittaku Acoustic at a significantly lower price point. The Acoustic is considered a higher-tier blade with refined playing characteristics, possibly offering slightly superior performance or feel, but the Reflex 50 provides excellent value as an alternative with comparable playing qualities.
Butterfly Petr Korbel
Players report that while TSP Reflex 50 Award OFF offers good control, the Butterfly Petr Korbel might provide even better control characteristics. The Korbel is often seen as more control-oriented, while the Reflex 50 leans slightly more towards offensive capabilities while still maintaining high levels of control and feel.