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Victas Koji Matsushita
Blade description:
The Victas Koji Matsushita blade is a prime example of exquisite craftsmanship tailored for the modern table tennis defender. Known for its impeccable balance and user-friendly design, this blade excels in providing a unique combination of control and versatility that players crave. As a defensive blade, it boasts a stunning speed rating of 6.1, paired with exceptional control at 9.6, making it a favorite among amateur and skilled defenders alike. Constructed from high-quality wood, the blade delivers a solid yet soft feel, allowing for impressive dwell time that enhances spin generation.
Weighing approximately 90g and boasting a medium thickness, the Koji Matsushita is designed to feel stable and comfortable in hand. Its flexible nature contributes to its ability to soak up the ball, translating stored energy into spin during chops and loops. However, players should be mindful that its flex may compromise the consistency and precision of harder offensive shots, as noted in several reviews. The blade’s hardiness and stiffness ratings of 3.4 and 2.8, respectively, indicate a well-rounded defensive performance with a sensitive touch.
For those seeking alternatives, there are numerous blades on the market that provide different advantages, such as quicker head speeds or stiffer configurations. However, the Victas Koji Matsushita remains a distinctive option for players who prioritize control and versatility, especially when paired with a variety of rubber types. This blade truly elevates a player’s defensive game while still catering to offensive strategies, making it an ideal choice for defenders who want a well-rounded setup that doesn’t compromise on spin or touch.
Recent Reviews
#1 — January 2019
Best chopping blade! Great feeling, soft but solid. It’s very flexible, which allows you to put a lot of spin but can be tricky in hard offensive shots.
#2 — March 2017
The blade has a superb finish. It’s surprisingly fast for a defensive blade when used with all-round rubbers.
However, the handle is too small and short for large hands.
Unless you use thin sponges or ox, the set-up is head heavy because of the larger head size.
I love the craftsmanship, but I would only bring it back to use if I decide to persevere with pips out.
#3 — June 2016
The numbers above don’t accurately describe this racket when paired with rubbers, MXP 1.7mm, and TSP P4 .6mm.
This is my spare racket. I let my friends play with my Viscaria when they come over, and I have started working my way through lower players in my club with this racket.
Compared to an offense set-up, I have to be careful that the increased dwell time means I need to sharpen the angle of attack, or I will lift the ball over the table. I’m fine with that. Having played with fast set-ups from my introduction to table tennis, MXP, and the VKM blade are really nice because I don’t have to swing with caution. Hitting ripping counterloops is very easy (on the Viscaria, I would call them counterhit/counterdrive’s).
I think it is very important to understand that speed is a myth. It should be called dwell time. Counterhitting, blocking, chopping, and looping are all very simple with the VKM, and I focus on attack by twiddling to keep spin in the game. Willow is a special wood that deserves research from every player.
Yes, long pips will get you wins early, but it may crutch your game so that you never develop a backhand (I’ve seen players never develop their forehand also). So more than anything, I say don’t use long pips till you hit a 5-year glass ceiling as an offensive player. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t use the VKM blade! It’s probably my favorite racket I own (and I own 14), but it’s not my main gun. So there is that…
Beautiful, responsive, fast or slow if you want it, this blade is like an extension of your body.