Weight
85g
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Carbo V
XVT Carbo V delivers a compelling blend of offensive power and reliable control, making it a standout choice for players advancing their attacking game. Its hybrid construction merges the crisp response of carbon with the nuanced feel of wood, creating a versatile platform for both speed and spin. The blade offers exceptional value, providing performance that often exceeds its price bracket. It's particularly effective when paired with harder rubbers, unlocking its full potential for aggressive loops and powerful drives.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-layer construction. It alternates wood and carbon plies, with carbon layers placed internally. This specific layering is designed to provide a blend of power from the carbon and feel from the wood, though the exact wood species for the Carbo V are not consistently detailed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
XVT Carbo V operates in the upper offensive range, providing substantial power for fast-paced rallies. The integrated carbon layers deliver a significant boost, enabling powerful drives and forceful counter-attacks. While clearly built for speed, it manages to retain a connected feel that prevents it from becoming uncontrollably fast, making it suitable for a variety of attacking plays.
Despite its high speed, Carbo V maintains a commendable level of control. The wood plies in its construction provide good ball feedback and a soft touch for close-table play. This allows players to execute precise pushes, blocks, and controlled opening loops with confidence, making it a well-rounded option that doesn't sacrifice precision for power.
Carbo V offers a crisp, responsive feel that balances hardness with a touch of softness. The carbon provides a solid, direct feedback on impact, while the wood composition contributes a degree of dwell and comfort, allowing for both powerful hits and spin-sensitive touches.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, ideal for generating steep, penetrating loops that arc over the net and dive onto the opponent's side, making it effective for topspin-oriented attacks.
Dwell time is adequate for effective spin generation. The composition allows the ball to sink in sufficiently on loops and serves, providing the necessary pocketing to impart heavy spin without overly compromising the blade's inherent speed on direct hits.
The blade leans toward the stiffer side, which is typical for offensive carbon blades. This stiffness forms a solid, stable platform that translates energy efficiently for powerful drives and smashes, offering a direct and linear response suited to an attacking style.
Vibration is moderate and well-managed. The carbon layers add stiffness and a crisp sensation, but the wood plies effectively dampen excessive harshness. This results in clear, comfortable feedback that allows players to feel the shot without distracting jarring.
Build quality is generally good, especially considering the blade's accessible price point. Our testing shows the craftsmanship is solid for regular play. However, players should note that the outer wood veneers can be somewhat fragile; using edge tape is a recommended precaution to protect against chipping during intense matches or accidental impacts.
Technology
XVT Carbo V utilizes a hybrid construction that strategically places carbon layers within a wood matrix. This design aims to harness the speed and stiffness of carbon while preserving the tactile feedback and control of wood. Related XVT models incorporate technologies like a hollowed handle to optimize weight distribution for a head-heavy balance, and some lines feature Nano Carbon processes for advanced material integration, enhancing the blade's overall performance characteristics.
Similar Blades
Stiga Carbo 7.6
Players report a visual and potential performance resemblance between the Carbo V and the Stiga Carbo 7.6. Both are hybrid blades that utilize carbon for enhanced speed and power, likely appealing to players with similar offensive preferences.
XVT Nano Carbo 40+
Considered an upgraded variant within the XVT lineup, the Nano Carbo 40+ features more extensive carbon treatment. It promises a similar offensive profile with potentially increased speed and spin, making it a logical alternative for those seeking a more carbon-forward experience from the same brand.