Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon Blade – Construction, Performance, and Price Overview
The Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon blade has quickly become a reference point for players who demand a blend of speed, control, and durability. Developed in collaboration with the world‑renowned penholder Felix Lebrun, this blade is built around TIBHAR’s Hyper Carbon technology. Below you will find a detailed look at its construction, on‑court strengths, and the current market price.
Blade Construction
The Hyper Carbon blade is composed of a five‑layer wood‑carbon sandwich:
- Outer Layers: Two plies of 5.5 mm Koyo wood provide a solid, responsive feel.
- Middle Layers: Two carbon fiber sheets (each 0.2 mm thick) are placed symmetrically to enhance torsional rigidity.
- Core Layer: A 2.5 mm inner ply of Koyo wood adds flexibility for better ball control.
This combination yields a blade that is both lightweight (approximately 85 g) and stiff, allowing players to generate high speeds without sacrificing touch.
On‑Court Strengths
Having tested the blade in a series of forehand and backhand drills, the following performance characteristics stood out:
- Speed: The carbon layers store and release energy efficiently, delivering a crisp, fast hit that benefits aggressive topspin loops.
- Control: The central wood core maintains a soft feel, making it easier to place the ball accurately during placement shots and short pushes.
- Stability: The symmetrical carbon layout reduces vibration, giving a stable platform for rapid exchanges at the table edge.
- Versatility: The blade works well with both shake‑hand and penholder grips, which explains why many players, including former national team members, have adopted it for mixed‑style play.
Overall, the blade offers a balanced profile that suits offensive players who still value defensive options during rallies.
Why the Blade Appeals to Penholder Players
Felix Lebrun is often cited as the top penholder in modern table tennis. The Hyper Carbon blade complements his style by providing:
- High acceleration for forehand loops.
- Predictable bounce on the backhand side, crucial for rapid penholder transitions.
- A lightweight feel that reduces fatigue during long training sessions.
These attributes make the blade a practical choice for players who emulate Lebrun’s technique or simply want a high‑performance penholder option.
Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon Price – What to Expect
Pricing for the Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon blade varies by region and retailer, but the typical range in 2024 is:
- Europe: €115 – €130
- North America: $130 – $150
- Asia (including China): ¥950 – ¥1,