Weight
85g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Archer B Carbon
XVT Archer B Carbon is a 7-ply hybrid blade crafted for offensive players who demand a potent mix of speed and control. Its construction strategically layers carbon fiber within a wood composite to amplify power and expand the sweet spot, delivering a responsive feel ideal for aggressive drives and precise loops. Positioned as a high-value upgrade, it suits intermediate to advanced players seeking carbon-enhanced performance without a premium price tag. Available in shakehand, Chinese penhold, and Japanese penhold variants, it's a versatile weapon for modern attacking play.
This 7-ply blade features a symmetrical construction: outer Koto plies, followed by Spruce, an inner Carbon layer, a Kiri core, another Carbon layer, more Spruce, and finishing with Koto. This configuration aims to provide a stiff feel and increased power from the carbon, while the wood layers contribute touch and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Rated as an Off- to Off blade, XVT Archer B Carbon provides substantial speed for aggressive play. It feels noticeably quicker than standard all-round blades, delivering ample power for strong serves and continuous looping. While it handles offensive shots well, some players find it lacks the extreme power needed for consistent play far from the table, making it best suited for mid-distance attacks.
This blade strikes a commendable balance between speed and control, offering precision for an offensive game. Its direct feel supports active play and technique development, though the stiffer construction can make blocking at a distance slightly challenging—a common trait among faster blades. For intermediate players building their attacking skills, the control level is more than sufficient.
Carbon layers give XVT Archer B Carbon a stiffer, more direct feel compared to all-wood blades. This firmness provides quick ball response and clear feedback, though it may feel less forgiving than softer, more dampened options. Players accustomed to a crisp, immediate touch will appreciate this characteristic.
With control-oriented rubbers, XVT Archer B Carbon produces a medium-low to medium throw angle, perfect for controlled topspins and serves. The inherent stiffness means it isn't designed for extremely high arcs, but pairing it with faster rubbers can adjust the trajectory slightly.
Dwell time is moderate on this blade. The carbon layers create a stiffer structure that can slightly reduce ball contact time compared to all-wood designs. However, the wood plies still offer enough grip for effective spin generation, particularly on controlled topspins and serves.
This is a stiff blade. The 7-ply construction with carbon layers leans toward rigidity, contributing to its speed and direct feel. While not completely unyielding, it sits firmly on the stiffer end of the spectrum, ideal for powerful shots and quick exchanges.
Vibration levels are medium. While carbon plies can transmit more feedback than softer woods, the overall construction manages this well. The design aims to reduce excessive vibration, providing a comfortable feel that players can use comfortably over longer matches.
XVT Archer B Carbon delivers good quality for its price point. While it doesn't have the premium finish or consistency of top-tier blades, players find it durable and well-constructed for its purpose. The materials provide a solid foundation for its performance, making it a reliable and valuable option for amateur and intermediate players seeking capable equipment without a high cost.
Technology
XVT Archer B Carbon is engineered with a hybrid 5-wood, 2-carbon construction. This design enhances stiffness and power, giving an offensive edge while preserving control. Strategically placed carbon layers expand the sweet spot and deliver a direct feel, facilitating powerful shots and spin generation. Some versions use Ayous wood on the surface, known for its softer touch, which helps balance the carbon's rigidity. The result is a responsive, dynamic blade built for attacking players who value both punch and precision.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
XVT Archer B Carbon is often compared to the Butterfly Viscaria due to similar hybrid constructions and offensive focus. TTSensei experts note the XVT feels stiffer and more direct than the Viscaria, offering a less nuanced but punchier response. Both are designed for aggressive play, but the Viscaria is a higher-tier option with a more refined feel and performance, albeit at a significantly higher price.