Weight
74g
Thickness
8.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x153.5
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Hinoki Balsa Carbon
XVT Hinoki Balsa Carbon is a lightweight offensive blade that masterfully blends traditional wood feel with modern composite power. Its unique 5-ply construction pairs the soft touch and dwell of Hinoki outer plies with a responsive Balsa core, all reinforced by carbon fiber layers for a significant speed boost. This design creates a noticeable catapult effect, making it exceptionally fast while maintaining surprising control. The blade's ultra-light weight enhances maneuverability and reduces arm fatigue, ideal for players who rely on quick wrist actions and aggressive topspin. It delivers a crisp, dynamic playing experience that excels in generating both speed and spin, catering to offensive and all-round offensive styles seeking a responsive and lively feel.
This symmetrical 5-ply construction follows a Hinoki-Carbon-Balsa-Carbon-Hinoki sequence. The outer Hinoki layers deliver touch and feel, the carbon layers provide speed and stability, and the central Balsa core ensures lightweight characteristics with a unique responsive bounce.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
XVT Hinoki Balsa Carbon delivers impressive offensive speed, landing in the OFF+ range. The carbon layers work with the Balsa core to create a pronounced catapult effect, propelling the ball with noticeable acceleration. This makes it exceptionally fast on drives and smashes, though the speed feels more integrated and less harsh than some pure carbon blades. Players report it generates easy power with minimal effort, especially when paired with dynamic rubbers.
Despite its speed focus, this blade maintains very good control thanks to its thoughtful construction. The Hinoki outer plies and Balsa core provide excellent dwell time, letting the ball sink in for precise placement and spin manipulation. The lightweight nature aids in quick adjustments and touch play. Our testing shows that control is highly consistent, though some players might need to pair it with slightly harder rubbers to perfectly tune the balance between power and precision.
The blade delivers a distinctly medium-soft feel that's both comfortable and informative. The Hinoki outer plies provide a gentle, woody touch upon contact, while the Balsa core adds a soft, absorbing quality. Despite the carbon layers, it doesn't feel overly stiff—instead, it offers a crisp, responsive feedback that players describe as having a pleasant catapult sensation without being jarring.
It produces a medium-high throw angle that complements its offensive nature. The combination of catapult effect and good dwell tends to lift the ball with a pronounced arc, making it excellent for aggressive looping and attacking over the table. This characteristic works well with modern topspin-oriented play.
Dwell time is one of this blade's strengths. The combination of soft Hinoki and porous Balsa allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer, enhancing spin generation and providing a controlled, brushing sensation during loops. This characteristic makes it particularly effective for players who rely on heavy topspin and precise ball placement.
XVT Hinoki Balsa Carbon offers a balanced medium flexibility. The carbon layers provide structural stiffness for speed, while the wood plies, especially the Balsa core, allow for a controlled bending effect. This flexibility contributes to the catapult sensation and helps in loading the ball with spin during brushing strokes.
Vibration is minimal, creating a comfortable and stable hitting experience. The Balsa core acts as an excellent damper, absorbing most shock even during powerful shots. This low vibration profile contributes to a larger perceived sweet spot and reduces player fatigue during extended play sessions.
XVT Hinoki Balsa Carbon offers solid build quality for its price point. The materials are well-integrated, with a clean finish and good attention to detail. While there can be minor variations between individual blades, the overall construction is reliable and durable. Players find it represents excellent value, providing performance characteristics often found in more expensive models without significant compromises in craftsmanship.
Technology
XVT Hinoki Balsa Carbon employs a sophisticated 5-ply hybrid construction that strategically layers materials for optimal performance. Japanese Hinoki wood forms the outer plies, providing exceptional touch, feel, and dwell time for spin-sensitive play. Beneath these lie carbon fiber layers that add significant stiffness and speed, creating a responsive platform for powerful shots. At the heart of the blade sits a Balsa wood core, renowned for its extreme lightness and unique elasticity, which generates a noticeable catapult effect while keeping overall weight remarkably low. This material synergy balances the natural vibration-damping and control of wood with the energy return and pace of modern composites, resulting in a blade that feels both traditional and explosively modern.
Similar Blades
Yinhe (Galaxy) T-11+
The Yinhe T-11+ is frequently mentioned as a comparable alternative, sharing a similar lightweight offensive philosophy. While the exact feel may differ, both blades utilize composite constructions to achieve easy power and good maneuverability, making the T-11+ a solid option for players exploring this performance category.
TSP Balsa Carbon models
Various TSP blades featuring Balsa and carbon constructions share a familial resemblance in playing character. They often exhibit the same lightweight, catapult-rich response that defines the balsa-carbon experience. Players familiar with TSP's offerings may find the XVT provides a similar dynamic feel at a different price point.