Weight
62g
Thickness
4.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
163x157
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Black Balsa 3.0
Victas Black Balsa 3.0 is a specialized defensive blade built for players who value control and precision above all. Its unique hybrid construction pairs a lightweight balsa core with two fiberglass layers, creating an enlarged sweet spot and a forgiving, tactile feel. This design excels in stable chops, consistent blocks, and precise placement, making it a top choice for dedicated defenders. With an average weight around 62g and a thin 4.6mm profile, it offers comfortable maneuverability and the ability to pair with heavier rubbers without losing balance.
The blade is built as a 5-ply construction. It features wood outer layers, followed by inner fiberglass layers, with a central balsa wood core. This specific layering creates a lightweight structure with an enlarged sweet spot, enhancing control and forgiveness crucial for defensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This is a deliberately slow blade, engineered for defensive play. The low speed rating is a core feature, not a drawback, providing maximum stability and control for defensive strokes like chops and blocks where absorbing and redirecting pace is the priority.
Control is the defining strength of the Black Balsa 3.0. The combination of a soft balsa core, thin profile, and fiberglass layers creates a large, forgiving sweet spot. This translates to precise placement and exceptional consistency for defensive maneuvers, allowing players to execute their game plan with confidence.
The blade delivers a tactile, solid feel with clear feedback. The balsa core and thin profile create a softer, more cushioned sensation that excels at absorbing power, while the fiberglass layers add a sharp, precise element that aids in control for defensive shots.
In line with its defensive design, the blade produces a medium-low throw angle. This facilitates greater control over ball placement and spin, making it easier to keep defensive shots low and controlled over the net.
The balsa core and thin construction promote a longer dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the rubber and blade. This enhances spin generation, which is particularly valuable for imparting heavy backspin on defensive chops.
The thin profile and soft balsa core make this a highly flexible blade. This flexibility is a key asset for defensive play, providing excellent feel and aiding in spin generation on chops, flicks, and touch shots.
Vibration is managed to a medium level. The fiberglass layers help stabilize the feel, though the soft balsa core can transmit some feedback. Players note that without heavier rubbers or handle tape, some vibration can be felt in the handle.
Our assessment indicates good overall build quality, with players often praising its aesthetic finish and solid tactile feedback. However, the blade's thin construction, while beneficial for feel, can lead some users to express concerns about potential durability if it suffers accidental impacts with the table.
Technology
Victas Black Balsa 3.0 utilizes a specialized construction centered on balsa wood, renowned for its extreme lightness and soft feel. This core is the foundation for the blade's low weight and exceptional control. Integrated on either side of the balsa are two layers of fiberglass. This composite material strengthens the blade's structure, significantly enlarges the sweet spot for more consistent contact, and refines the overall feel. The balsa-and-fiberglass synergy is a modern design approach to create a forgiving, control-oriented blade perfectly tuned for defensive table tennis.