The Olympic Semi-Final Men's Medal Matches: A Showcase of Some of the Best Table Tennis Blades in the World

Paris, France, July 2024 – The Olympic Semi-Final Men's Medal Matches were nothing short of spectacular, featuring what many consider to be the top four table tennis players on the planet: Hugo Calderano, Félix Lebrun, Fan Zhendong, and Truls Moregardh. Each player showcased extraordinary skill, technique, and the ability to adapt under immense pressure. Beyond their talents, their choice of equipment also played a crucial role in their performances. While all four of these players have blades named after them, they each play their own unique style. So, which one of these blades is the best? The truth is, they are all outstanding professional table tennis rackets. Let’s take a closer look at each one!

Xiom Hugo HAL

Crafted by Xiom, the Hugo HAL is an exceptional blade designed for players who value spin and control. This 5-ply wood + 2 carbon layer blade stands out for its longer dwell time, which enhances spin, making it a preferred choice for players who like to dominate with spin-based strategies. Despite not being as stiff as many offensive blades, it still offers plenty of speed, making it versatile for different playing styles. The outer ply is made of koto wood, known for its firmness and quick response. Weighing between 88 to 90 grams, the Xiom Hugo HAL is ideal for the modern power game.

Tibhar Félix Lebrun

The Tibhar Félix Lebrun blade is another top-tier racket, offering a balance between power and control. This 5-ply + 2 blade incorporates stiff carbon layers close to the core, providing excellent ball feel upon contact while still delivering sufficient power for aggressive play. At a lighter weight of 85 grams, this blade is well-suited for both close-to-the-table and mid-distance gameplay. The Tibhar Félix Lebrun blade is a versatile choice for those who want a racket that can adapt to various situations.

Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC

Butterfly is renowned as one of the best blade manufacturers in the world, and the Fan Zhendong ALC is a testament to their craftsmanship. This blade is slightly top-heavy and stiffer than the Hugo HAL and Félix Lebrun blades, making it perfect for powerful drive shots and aggressive play. Fan Zhendong, one of the most celebrated players, has made this blade his weapon of choice, and Butterfly offers a full line of Fan Zhendong blades. The ALC version is particularly favored for its balance of speed, power, and control.

Stiga Cybershape Carbon CWT - Truls Edition

Among the four blades discussed, the Stiga Cybershape Carbon CWT Truls Edition is the most intriguing. Unlike the traditional round blades, this racket features a heptagonal shape, which theoretically increases the mass near the sweet spot, providing a larger and more forgiving hitting area. The blade’s unique shape makes it more top-heavy, which can be a challenge for some players. However, Stiga has innovatively countered this by incorporating adjustable weights in the handle; with options of 3, 6, and 9 gram weights, players can shift the weight balance forward for more power or backward for greater stability. This more limited-edition of the Cybershape features the signature touch of the man himself who popularized the blade, stamped with his signature and likeness.

Conclusion

Each of these blades is designed to bring out the best in a player, and each one offer unique playing characteristics. Whether you prioritize spin, control, power, or a larger sweet spot, there’s a blade among these that will suit your style. As seen in the intense matches in Paris, having the right blade can make all the difference at the highest level of competition. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, but rest assured, with any of these blades, you’ll be well-equipped to compete at the top. 

*All of these blades are available for purchase at TableTennisStore*:

**BONUS INFO**

     Stay tuned for future articles where we will be posting more player profiles that will dive into various professionals' blades AND rubbers of choice.

      If you are looking to pair these blades with professional rubber, you're in luck! All of the most popular brands are available in our shop under the Rubbers section.

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-Alex Averin & Ben Nisbet, TTS