Tibhar / Balsa Allround 50

Is this blade for you?

Best for:

• Allround players who want control without losing speed completely
• Players who play close to the table with block, counter and controlled topspin
• Players who need a light blade with clear ball feeling
• Players who prefer comfort, timing and placement over raw power
• Developing players moving from a beginner racket to a proper custom setup
• Intermediate players who want a stable blade for technical improvement
• Players who use medium or medium-soft rubbers and want a balanced setup
• Players who value safety in serve receive, short game and first opening

Not for:

• Players looking for explosive OFF/OFF+ speed
• Power attackers who play far from the table
• Players who prefer a hard, direct carbon feeling
• Advanced players who need maximum pressure in counter-topspin
• Players who want the blade to generate speed without active technique
• Players who hit mostly flat and expect a sharp, stiff response

Technical profile:

• Playing distance: close to the table / close to mid-distance
• Best impact: controlled topspin, block, counter, placement
• Feeling: soft to medium-soft
• Dwell time: high
• Speed: allround
• Control: high
• Arc support: medium to medium-high
• Tolerance: high

Tibhar Balsa Allround 50 is built for players who want a real allround blade with excellent control, clean ball sensation and enough speed to play an active game.

The heart of this blade is the 5.0 mm balsa core. That core gives the blade its main personality: light feeling, comfortable contact and a longer dwell time compared to harder, more direct offensive blades. The ball stays on the racket long enough to give the player feedback, which is exactly what you want when you are developing timing, spin quality and placement.

This is not a dead defensive blade and it is not a fast carbon blade. It sits in the middle, where many club players actually need to be. It allows controlled topspin with enough safety over the net, stable blocking at the table, and comfortable counter shots when the opponent increases the speed. The blade does not force the rally. It gives the player time to choose the right shot.

In topspin play, the Balsa Allround 50 helps players who want to brush the ball with control rather than punch through it with pure power. The softer contact supports spin production and makes the first opening easier, especially when paired with controlled offensive or allround rubbers. It is particularly suitable for players who still care about consistency and placement, not only speed.

In blocking and countering, the blade feels stable and comfortable. It absorbs enough speed to keep the ball under control, but it still gives enough rebound to play actively close to the table. This makes it a good choice for players who like to take the ball early, redirect pace and build points with rhythm rather than brute force.

The limitation is clear. If you are an advanced offensive player looking for maximum power from mid-distance, this blade will not give you enough acceleration. If you want a hard, crisp, carbon-like impact, this is the wrong category. The Balsa Allround 50 is made for control, touch and balanced offensive development.

For the right player, this blade is not “slow”. It is disciplined. It helps you keep the ball on the table, feel the contact and build a setup that does not punish every small mistake.

Coach Opinion — Daniel

I like this blade for players who are serious about improving their game, not just buying faster equipment.

Many club players make the same mistake: they jump too early to very fast carbon blades and hard rubbers, then they lose touch in serve receive, short game and first topspin. The Balsa Allround 50 goes in the opposite direction. It gives you feeling first. Then speed comes from your technique.

This blade is especially useful for players who play close to the table, block actively, counter with control and want to develop a reliable topspin. It has enough life to play modern table tennis, but it does not run away from you. That is important.

I would not recommend it to a power player who already trains at high level and wants to dominate from mid-distance. It is not made for that. I would recommend it to a developing player, an allround player, or an intermediate player who wants a light, comfortable blade that makes the game more controlled and technically cleaner.

A good allround blade should not impress you in the first five minutes. It should help you play better after two months. This is that type of blade.

Daniel Gaybakyan
Professional Table Tennis Coach