Weight
65g
Thickness
8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
155x146
Handles
ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Versal
TSP Versal is an offensive table tennis blade celebrated for its remarkably light weight and balsa core construction. It delivers a unique fusion of touch and power, engineered for speed and precision. This versatility suits various playing styles, from aggressive drives and loops to modern defensive play. Special foam inserts in the handle minimize vibration, enhancing control and feel. With its high-quality Japanese craftsmanship and durable finish, the Versal is a top choice for players seeking a fast, sensitive, and consistent blade.
The blade features a 5-ply construction with a thick balsa wood core, characteristic of many lightweight and offensive blades. This core is sandwiched between wood layers on each side. This construction contributes to the blade's low weight, speed, and unique feel, with the balsa core providing speed and flexibility while the outer wood plies offer additional control and power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
TSP Versal is consistently rated as a very fast blade, with its offensive characteristics designed for quick attacks and powerful shots. The lightweight balsa core contributes significantly to its speed, enabling fast rallies and effective drives. Players report it excels in maintaining pace during aggressive exchanges, making it a formidable choice for an attacking style.
Despite its high speed, TSP Versal offers an impressive level of control. It provides superb consistency and is an excellent tool for players looking to refine their technique. The soft feel of the balsa, combined with vibration-dampening features in the handle, contributes to this control, allowing for precise placement and reliable execution of strokes, even at high speeds.
The feel of TSP Versal is described as having a fairly soft touch for excellent control, yet it's noted that the feel is not as soft as some other balsa blades, making it suitable for a wider range of rubbers. The construction, including vibration-dampening foam, contributes to a controlled and sensitive feel that balances responsiveness and feedback.
TSP Versal generates a high arc on the ball, indicating a medium-high throw angle. This can be advantageous for clearing the net with topspin shots and for creating heavy topspin balls that land deep on the opponent's side, enhancing offensive opportunities.
The described soft feel and good control suggest a medium dwell time. The balsa core offers a good balance, allowing for adequate ball contact for spin generation without excessive dwell that might slow down fast attacking shots, enabling effective spin-based play while maintaining speed.
The blade has a medium flexibility. The balsa core provides a degree of flexibility that allows for good dwell time and spin, while the wood outer layers contribute to its overall stiffness and power. This balance makes it suitable for both looping and driving, with a predictable flex during powerful strokes.
TSP Versal is noted for its minimal vibration, especially due to special foam inserts in the handle designed to absorb excessive vibrations. While some slight vibration might be felt on very hard hits without rubber, it is effectively dampened once rubbers are attached, leading to a comfortable and controlled playing experience.
TSP Versal is lauded for its excellent build quality and craftsmanship, reflecting its Japanese origin. It features a high-quality finish with smoothed edges, and the engineering design speaks to precision manufacturing. This attention to detail ensures durability and a premium feel, contributing to its outstanding reputation among players.
Technology
TSP Versal utilizes a construction centered around a lightweight 6.0mm balsa wood core, providing a distinctively light feel. To enhance the playing experience, it incorporates special foam inserts within the handle, specifically designed to absorb and reduce excessive vibrations. This technology aims to improve overall control and the tactile sensation of the blade. The construction is a testament to Japanese manufacturing precision, ensuring high quality and excellent finish for consistent performance.
Similar Blades
Dr. Neubauer Balsa Blades (e.g., Combination Effect, Special)
TSP Versal is sometimes considered a more manageable alternative to Dr. Neubauer balsa blades like the Combination Effect or Special. While Dr. Neubauer blades are excellent and stable, their speed can be challenging for defensive players. TTSensei experts note that Versal is described as slower than some of these, making it more accessible for defensive play while retaining offensive capabilities.
TSP Levant
TSP Levant is listed as a related product, suggesting it may share some similar characteristics or target a similar player base. While no direct comparison is made, its proximity in product lines indicates it could be an alternative for players exploring TSP's blade offerings with potentially comparable performance traits.