KATANA Platinum Special CP

Weight

95g

Thickness

10.75mm

Plies

1-ply

Head Size

162x135

Material

AllWood

Head Shape

Custom

Balance

Head-Heavy

Xiom

KATANA Platinum Special CP

Japan

Xiom KATANA Platinum Special CP is a premium single-ply Japanese penhold blade crafted from Honmasa Kiso Hinoki wood. Designed for aggressive, close-to-table play, it delivers a blend of high speed, precise control, and a clear, crisp sound. The rounded head and Chinese-type handle are optimized for rapid offense and blocking strategies. This 'Special' version uses only the highest quality Kiso Hinoki, selected for superior appearance and acoustic feedback, making it suitable for players using both pimple-in rubbers for topspin and pimple-out rubbers for fast attacks.

1-Ply Construction

This blade features a single ply of Kiso Hinoki wood, a premium Japanese wood known for its speed, lightness, and distinctive sound. The single-ply construction offers a direct feel and excellent feedback, emphasizing the natural properties of the wood.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
9.5

Xiom KATANA Platinum Special CP is renowned for its exceptional speed, making it a top choice for aggressive, close-to-table offensive play. The single-ply Hinoki construction provides significant power for drives and smashes, allowing players to execute fast attacks with confidence.

Control
8.5

Despite its high speed, this blade offers a surprisingly good level of control, particularly for blocking. The natural feel of the Hinoki wood allows for precise placement and responsive blocking, giving players confidence in their defensive and counter-attacking shots.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

Players describe a crisp resonance and high-fidelity feel with minimal vibrations, providing direct and clear feedback upon impact. The blade offers a solid, responsive touch that enhances offensive play.

Throw Angle
Medium
LowMediumHigh

Players report a medium throw angle, which can be influenced by the attached rubbers. This balanced trajectory supports a versatile offensive game, suitable for both flat hits and controlled loops.

Dwell Time
4.0

While generally fast, some players report that despite being single-ply Hinoki, there isn't extensive dwell time, which can make spin generation more challenging, especially from mid-distance. It favors direct hits over prolonged ball contact.

Flexibility
3.0

The thick, single-ply Hinoki construction results in a stiff blade, which enhances speed and power transfer but reduces flexibility for dwell time and spin. It provides a solid, unyielding platform for powerful shots.

Vibration
2.0

The blade is characterized by minimal to non-existent vibration, contributing to a clean and direct feel upon impact. This low vibration profile enhances feedback clarity and stability during play.

Quality
8.0

Constructed from super premium Kiso Hinoki wood, the blade reflects a high standard of material selection and manufacturing. The 'Special' designation emphasizes that only top-quality woods are used, ensuring beautiful appearance, clear sound, and optimal performance for professional-level play.

Technology

Xiom KATANA Platinum Special CP leverages the properties of Honmasa Kiso Hinoki, a highly regarded Japanese wood known for its unique sound, vibration characteristics, and resilience. The 'Platinum Special' designation indicates that only the finest selections of this premium wood are used, ensuring a beautiful appearance, clear sound, and optimal performance. The single-ply construction is a testament to traditional blade-making, focusing on the inherent qualities of the wood to deliver speed and feel, optimized for aggressive, close-to-the-table offensive play.

Similar Blades

Butterfly Cypress G-MAX

Butterfly Cypress G-MAX is another highly regarded single-ply Hinoki blade favored by many penhold players. Similar to the Xiom KATANA Platinum Special CP, it offers a direct feel, speed, and excellence for aggressive, close-to-table play. Both blades are made from premium Japanese Hinoki wood and are known for their distinct sound and feel, catering to players who prefer a traditional, offensive single-ply experience.

Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive (YEO)

While Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive is a 5-ply all-wood blade and not a single-ply Hinoki like the KATANA Platinum Special CP, it is a popular and high-performing penhold alternative. It offers a good balance of speed and control suitable for offensive play and shares the characteristic feel of Japanese wood construction, making it an option for penhold players looking for a powerful yet controlled blade with a different construction.