Weight
87g
Thickness
5.4mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x155
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Koji Matsushita
Victas Koji Matsushita is a premium defensive table tennis blade, meticulously hand-crafted in Japan for the modern defender. Developed with legendary player Koji Matsushita, this 5-ply all-wood blade prioritizes exceptional control and feel, essential for sophisticated chopping and blocking strategies. It delivers surprising power for counter-attacks, making it a versatile choice for players who blend defense with opportunistic offense. The oversized head and balanced weight contribute to its forgiving nature and consistent performance.
The blade uses a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. Japanese cedar fir forms the outer layers, contributing to the blade's control and distinctive feel. The specific types of wood for the inner and core layers are not publicly specified, but they are arranged to create the desired balance of flexibility and stability for defensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
As a primarily defensive blade, the Koji Matsushita operates at a moderate speed. It provides sufficient power for attacking shots when needed, but its core identity is built around control and dwell time rather than raw pace. This makes it ideal for players who rely on placement and spin variation over sheer velocity.
This blade is renowned for its outstanding control, a defining characteristic for defensive play. Its design allows for incredibly precise shot placement and consistent returns, even when absorbing powerful opponent attacks. Players report a high level of confidence in their ability to direct the ball exactly where intended.
The blade offers a soft but solid feel with great ball feedback. It provides a noticeable sense of connection and control, allowing players to feel the ball on the rubber for enhanced touch and spin manipulation during defensive exchanges.
It features a lower throw angle, which is advantageous for defensive chopping and blocking. This trajectory helps keep returns low over the net, making it more difficult for opponents to attack effectively.
It provides significant dwell time, which is crucial for defensive players to impart heavy spin on chops and for controlling the ball close to the table. This extended contact allows for better manipulation of spin, speed, and placement.
The blade exhibits a good degree of flexibility, contributing to its spin generation and providing a feeling of 'bite' on the ball. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for loading spin on defensive chops and for creating arc on loops.
The standard version offers a controlled level of vibration that provides clear feedback without being harsh or distracting. This balanced vibration helps players sense the quality of their contact while maintaining comfort during play.
Crafted with excellent build quality, the blade features a smooth finish and durable construction. Being individually hand-made in Japan contributes significantly to its premium feel and consistent performance, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of its manufacture.
Technology
Victas Koji Matsushita is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship, being individually hand-made without synthetic fibers. Its performance is derived from the careful selection and precise arrangement of high-quality wood veneers, including Japanese cedar fir in the outer layers. This meticulous process optimizes the natural properties of each ply to create a blade with superior feel, exceptional control, and consistent performance tailored for advanced defensive play. The focus is on wood mastery rather than composite materials.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Koji Matsushita
Koji Matsushita, the blade's namesake and a legendary Japanese defender, was instrumental in its design. The blade is crafted to provide the exceptional control, feel, and dwell time that define his sophisticated defensive style, enabling his renowned chopping while also offering the power needed for his effective counter-attacks.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Joo Se Hyuk
The Joo Se Hyuk is another highly regarded defensive blade that shares core characteristics with the Koji Matsushita. Both are designed for control-oriented, modern defensive play with excellent dwell time and feel. Players often compare them, with some noting the Koji Matsushita may offer a slightly different feel and potentially better looping power.
Victas Koji Matsushita Offensive
Part of the same series, the Offensive version is designed for a more aggressive style that still incorporates defensive elements. It offers more speed and power than the standard model, making it suitable for players who frequently initiate attacks from defense. The standard Koji Matsushita is generally considered superior for pure control and defensive feel.