Tibhar Samsonov Alpha SGS
Blade description:
This is a 5-ply all-wood blade designed primarily for players who prioritize control and touch over raw speed. Its characteristics favor close-to-the-table play, where it excels at blocking, flat hitting, and performing controlled, precise topspins. Users often note that the blade provides consistent feedback, making it an effective tool for beginners looking to develop fundamental stroke mechanics.
Performance and Feel
The blade is noted for its high level of control, which allows for reliable performance during short-game interactions such as pushing and chopping. While it performs well for close-to-table attacks, it experiences a significant drop-off in pace when moving to mid- or long-distance play. Consequently, looping from distance can become demanding, as the blade lacks the necessary speed and power to generate deep, penetrating shots from further back.
Suitability and Design
Due to its moderate speed and tactile quality, this blade is well-suited for all-round offensive players and modern defenders. It handles both inverted rubbers and long pips effectively, supporting a variety of styles ranging from aggressive blocking to defensive backspin play. The handle design features a blue rubber inlay, which is frequently cited as enhancing comfort during extended practice or matches. Overall, it serves as a reliable introductory blade, though more advanced players may eventually find its lack of mid-distance power restrictive.
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Recent Reviews
#1 — April 2020
The first bats I ever bought were pre-made with Tibhar Volcano on the forehand and Tibhar Vari Spin on the backhand. This blade helped me improve as a beginner, as it had pretty good control and feeling. I feel like the bat could have been better with better rubbers, but the blade is a good choice for a beginner looking for quality control and feeling to develop their strokes.
UPDATE: Since using this blade, I have bought and used the Stiga All-round Classic and the Tibhar Drinkhall All-round Classic, and these blades are so much better.
#2 — July 2017
I’ve been using this blade for a year, and the feeling that you get when playing a looping stroke is very good. However, from further off the table, the loop becomes slower. It’s still a very good blade for beginners, as it provides a lot of feeling and can help the player develop their stroke.
#3 — July 2016
This is a good blade, a five-ply all-wood blade. It is not a very fast blade for playing offensive loops, but I don’t need to loop often at a fast pace from medium distance since my style of play is modern defensive.
It has awesome control, which is good for blocking using inverted or long pips rubber with a softer sponge hardness. It is also good for table play, especially flat hits and smashes. Additionally, it is good for topspin at the table or medium distance away from the table, and the spin character is sharp and precise.
It is also good for chopping backspin and pushing since I could chop with inverted on forehand and long pips rubber on the backhand as well. This blade suits the style of all-round offensive and defensive.
I put my backhand using Dawei Saviga V long pips rubber, and it is so enjoyable to do the chopping at the table or away from the table. I just have to practice more to get a better feeling and precision.
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