Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition Review: Controlled Offensive Power for Intermediate Players

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-11 · blade

The Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition is one of the most recognized all-wood offensive blades in table tennis, bearing the name of Vladimir Samsonov, former world number one and three-time European champion. Tibhar’s best-selling blade in 2016, it carries a 7-ply all-wood construction in a limba-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-ayous-limba arrangement, measuring approximately 158 by 151mm with a thickness of around 6.6 to 6.7mm. The Black Edition designation refers entirely to the cosmetic treatment of the two dyed red plies visible through the blade’s surface - underneath, the wood composition and performance characteristics are identical to the standard Samsonov Force Pro. This review draws on lab test data, a detailed hands-on assessment from TableTennis11, aggregated customer feedback from Megaspin and BladeRubber, and community discussion from Reddit’s r/tabletennis, collectively representing well over 150 independent user impressions.

Performance

Lab testing by TTGearLab found the Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition delivers a mild hold characteristic, with an elasticity central-to-primary ratio of 0.9 - meaning the blade holds the ball fractionally longer on impact, producing a linear and predictable trajectory. This characteristic makes it unusually forgiving for a blade in the OFF category: players can predict the result of impact input easily and precisely, which translates to consistent placement and reduced error rates under pressure. The vibration lateral-to-primary ratio of roughly 1.02 confirms a near-perfectly uniform feel across the entire blade surface, whether striking at the sweet spot or toward the edges.

In practical play, the blade excels across the full range of offensive strokes. Forehand drives at moderate swing speeds produce fast, controlled shots, while at higher swing speeds the blade delivers a satisfying cracking sound and solid power transfer. The backhand is a particular highlight - multiple reviewers describe it as offering perhaps the best balance of speed, control, and crisp feeling of any blade in this class. Blocking is a standout strength: the stiff construction provides substantially better control on passive blocks, with greater forgiveness when contact timing is suboptimal, making it safer under fast exchanges.

On loop drives, the blade achieves approximately 95 percent of the spin and speed output of more flexible alternatives, a small trade-off for the added consistency and feel. The blade’s weight, typically between 83 and 90 grams with an average around 87g, trends head-heavy, which some reviewers find tiring over long sessions. The TTGearLab comparison placed this blade alongside the Butterfly Korbel SK7 and Stiga Clipper CC in the benchmark tier for 7-ply wood blades suited to modern topspin play - slightly slower than the Stiga Clipper CR, but closely matched in construction quality.

Rubber pairing is important: the community strongly recommends tensor rubbers in the medium hardness range, such as Vega Europe or Evolution MX-P. Very hard Chinese rubbers can make the already-firm blade feel overly stiff, while softer European rubbers complement the blade’s natural hold and feel.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

Across all sources there is a strong consensus that the Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition offers exceptional value at its price point, sitting firmly at the slower end of the OFF range and delivering balanced, forgiving performance. Reviewers consistently highlight its control, feel, and blocking strength as its best attributes. The main point of divergence is weight tolerance: some intermediate players find the head-heavy balance comfortable and powerful, while others - particularly those with less physical conditioning - experience fatigue during longer sessions. The community also broadly agrees the Black Edition is cosmetically different but not meaningfully better or worse than the standard Samsonov Force Pro, which is an important note for buyers considering the price premium for the visual finish.

Who Should Buy It

This blade is the right choice for intermediate players who have solid fundamentals and are ready to step beyond a standard 5-ply all-wood blade. It delivers more speed and punch than typical all-round blades while retaining the wooden feel and control that players value before moving to carbon. It is especially well suited to players who rely on a mix of looping, blocking, and hitting rather than purely one-dimensional power play. Advanced players who prefer the woody tactile feedback of pure wood over composite blades will also find it a dependable option. Players who are complete beginners or who prioritize maximum speed above all else should look elsewhere - the former need a more forgiving setup and the latter need a faster, composite construction.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Black Edition and the standard Samsonov Force Pro?

The Black Edition is purely cosmetic. Two of the inner plies are dyed a deep red or black color, giving the blade a distinctive look, but the wood species, construction, and all playing characteristics are identical to the standard Samsonov Force Pro.

What speed class does this blade fall into?

The blade is classified at the slower end of the OFF range, sometimes described by reviewers as between OFF- and OFF. It is noticeably faster than typical 5-ply all-wood blades but slower than most carbon or composite blades rated pure OFF or OFF+.

What rubber works best with this blade?

The community strongly recommends medium-hardness tensor rubbers such as Tibhar Evolution MX-P, Yasaka Rakza series, or Donic Acuda S2. Very hard Chinese rubbers can make the blade feel overly stiff, and very soft rubbers may over-dampen the blade’s natural responsiveness.

Is this blade suitable for beginners?

Generally no. The blade rewards players who already have reliable stroke technique and physical conditioning. Beginners are better served by lighter, more forgiving all-round blades until their fundamentals are established.

How heavy is the Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition?

Most specimens weigh between 83 and 90 grams, with an average around 86 to 87 grams. The weight distribution trends slightly head-heavy, which can require adaptation but also adds power to attacking strokes.

How does it compare to the Stiga Clipper?

Both are 7-ply all-wood blades of similar thickness around 6.7mm. The Samsonov Force Pro Black Edition is slightly slower than the Stiga Clipper CR but comparable to the Clipper CC. Lab tests group them as peer blades in the standard 7-ply benchmark category. The Samsonov is generally considered slightly more forgiving due to its mild hold characteristic.