Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon

This blade features a 3+2 construction, utilizing a Kiri core reinforced with Kevlar-Carbon layers placed close to the center, topped with Limba outer plies. This configuration creates a flexible, spin-oriented blade that behaves similarly to an upgraded all-wood setup, offering a soft, dwell-heavy feel during contact. It is designed primarily for loopers, providing an excellent arc and significant spin potential, while maintaining enough speed to perform effectively in aggressive attacking phases.

Playing Characteristics

• Feel and Dwell: The blade is characterized by a soft, flexible touch. The inner carbon placement ensures the blade does not feel overly stiff or dead, allowing the ball to sink into the wood before the carbon layer engages.
• Speed and Power: While not categorized as an extreme power blade, it features an “OFF” play profile. It remains controlled in passive play but gains noticeable speed and responsiveness when the player hits through the ball with sufficient force.
• Spin and Control: Highly regarded for its spin-generation capabilities and reliability in blocking. It produces a high throw angle, which makes it particularly effective for technical looping and topspin rallies.
• Physical Properties: Generally light in weight, though the balance can shift to be head-heavy depending on the choice of rubbers. The handles are designed to be comfortable and ergonomic, specifically optimized for the mechanics of looping.

Considerations

• Rubber Pairing: Due to its flexibility and high throw angle, some users find that pairing the blade with softer rubbers requires careful selection to avoid excessive ball lift. It performs consistently across a variety of rubber types, though it is frequently noted as an ideal match for players who prioritize control and technical spin over sheer, raw speed.
• Sweet Spot: The blade offers a balanced, uniform bounce across the surface, though some users note the sweet spot is focused and precise rather than oversized.