Tibhar Li Qian

The quality of the wood is top-notch. I use grass without a sponge to hunt off the table and push punches on the forehand side (mostly TSP P3 alpha). On the backhand side is a Nitaku Flyatt spin with a thinner sponge. This allows for short play without lifting the ball, very precise blocks, and strong counterattacks.

LQ is a medium-slow def.wood but, at the time of attacking shots, gives a feeling of sufficient strength. You can surprise opponents by occasionally turning the racket after every third or fourth shot because the wood has an outstanding balance.

Like a mixture of good characteristics, Victas K.Matsushita and Butterfly Hadraw, it is not too hard or too soft and has very moderate vibrations. I searched for such properties for a long time and finally found the right one for my way of playing. It costs about 100 Euros, but it is worth every penny invested.

Especially important for such wood is the control, which is really very good.

Recommendation for gluing ox grass: use one or even two adhesive foils (I use Nittaku Nori sheet) because water glue still softens the surface of the wood and changes its properties. Tibhar LQ is well protected with varnish at the factory, so there is no peeling of the veneer when removing the foil.

This blade is a great choice for defensive players. It’s not too fast, but it has enough speed for attacking when needed.