Tibhar Stratus Samsonov Carbon

Composite/carbon

16 Reviews

#1 — December 2021

This is a flexible blade of the innerforce type, designed for looping and loop drives. It is capable of generating speed when struck with sufficient force. Its touch is soft and flexible, similar to the carbon version of the Yasaka Extra (YE). However, its flexibility makes it less suitable for pushing shots, as it can result in excessive throw angle. To compensate, it is recommended to use harder rubber on the backhand.

#2 — August 2021

Great blade. Compared to the Stratus Powerwood, the Kevlar Carbon version is three times more expensive. However, the price can be justified after trying the carbon version. I can tell for definite that it’s an upgrade from the Powerwood for sure. The speed is just a touch faster. But other aspects such as control, sweet spot, spin, and flex are all better. Best of all, it feels less hard and more softer than the Powerwood. The arc is the same as the Powerwood. The anatomic handle is great, and this blade is a looper’s best friend, or someone who likes to spin, lots of dwell as well.

#3 — October 2019

This is a great blade. It provides excellent control and speed that is fast but manageable. I used Rakza 7 for both my backhand and forehand. The amount of spin I was able to generate was shockingly good. The handle design is also great and very grippy, even when my hands were sweaty. The handle also aids in the looping motion, but I can’t explain exactly why. However, the spin I was able to generate made me very happy.

#4 — July 2016

The blade is constructed with a 5-ply wood core and 2-ply Kevlar Carbon (3rd layer). The wood core consists of Limba, Ayous, and Kiri.

Despite being slow in passive play, the blade exhibits remarkable speed during aggressive shots. It offers intermediate gears, but the range is limited.

The ST handle boasts a rounded square shape and is larger than the standard BTY ST handles. The FL handle resembles the BTY TB ALC FL in size, but users with large hands may prefer a larger FL handle.

The top ply showcases a refined finish, while the handle provides excellent smoothness. The Kevlar Carbon construction minimizes vibration and flex, yet the blade retains a lively feel due to the wood top plies.

The construction is comparable to the BTY Innerforce Layer ALC blade, although not identical. Its speed falls between that of the TB ALC and the BTY Primorac and Korbel. It serves as an optimal intermediary between BTY ALC blades and 5-ply all-wood blades.

My FL version weighs 79g, while the ST version weighs 87g. Heavy rubbers may cause a head-heavy balance.

Priced under $80, this blade offers exceptional value.

#5 — June 2016

Its speed is awesome, and its control is too. It just has a problem: it has a reduced sweet spot compared with other blades. The Flex touch is very good for looping easily and blocking. The throw angle is high.

#6 — June 2016

This is a control attacking blade. It is perfect for loopers. Carbon sheets are located close to the central wood sheet. This provides a flexible touch but strong enough for “off” play. Blocks are reliable but not lethal.

#7 — June 2013

This is the first and the best carbon blade I’ve tried, and I am currently using it with Tibhar Genius+Optimum rubber (red) and Mark V XS (black). The combination provides a great balance of speed and spin.

#8 — March 2013

This is the best blade I have ever had. I use Donic F1 (red) and F3 (black) and find it comfortable and fast with good control. Mine is 84g and quick in response. If I had had this blade earlier, I would not have wasted a lot of money buying others.

#9 — January 2013

Well, this is the best blade I have ever used. It has a high throw angle, so you can block easily, and counterloops are deadly! It’s a good blade for spinny guys!

#10 — May 2012

Hello everyone, I’m from Taiwan. My style is traditional Asian looping and smash.

This blade is excellent for looping and making spin but not good at smashing.

The feeling is just comfortable and a nice weight range (I choose 85g).

I recommend this blade the most if you tend to looping attack.

#11 — May 2012

A very good blade, balanced, with many gears and really good control. It lacks a little bit in speed, but you can’t have everything.

#12 — March 2012

It can attack; I love it dearly.

#13 — January 2012

It’s not a very fast blade, but it offers good control. It provides an excellent feeling.

#14 — November 2011

First time using this brand, it’s not a fast blade, however it has good control. More speed is required.

#15 — July 2011

A very good blade. However, there are two things to consider before buying:

1. It is head-heavy! 2. The handle is optimized for looping, not for blocking.

#16 — August 2010

This blade excels in control and ball feel. It pairs exceptionally well with Grip-S and my all-time favorite: Bryce. This combination allows me to play with various types of rhythm. The unique and smooth handle design also contributes to its overall performance.

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