Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon Inside: An In‑Depth Look at the Blade’s Core
The Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon Inside has quickly become a talking point among table‑tennis enthusiasts, especially after the young prodigy’s success at the European Games at just 16 years old. This article breaks down the blade’s construction, performance characteristics, and the type of player who will benefit most from its unique blend of carbon and wood.
What Sets the Hyper Carbon Inside Apart?
At first glance, the Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon blade appears similar to other high‑end TIBHAR models, but the key difference lies in its internal structure. The term “Hyper Carbon Inside” refers to the placement of two thin carbon layers sandwiched between three carefully selected wood plies. This configuration delivers a balanced mix of speed, control, and a crisp feel that is rare in blades aimed at aggressive play.
Blade Construction Explained
The blade’s core consists of:
- A top layer of Ayous wood for a soft, responsive touch.
- Two carbon sheets, each approximately 0.2 mm thick, positioned just beneath the outer wood layers.
- A middle layer of Limba wood, providing stability and a consistent rebound.
- A final bottom layer of Koto wood, adding a slight flex that enhances spin potential.
This sandwich design is engineered to keep the blade’s overall weight under 90 g, ensuring that players can maintain fast rallies without sacrificing maneuverability.
Performance Characteristics
When tested on a standard 40 mm ball at 2.7 m/s, the Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon Inside displayed a speed rating of 9.5 on the TIBHAR scale, placing it firmly in the “offensive” category. Despite this high speed, the blade’s carbon layers act as a dampening system, reducing vibration and delivering a smoother feel at impact. This balance translates into:
- Excellent drive power for loopers and smash‑oriented players.
- Consistent control on short pushes, thanks to the wood‑rich outer plies.
- Enhanced spin generation when paired with a high‑rubber blade like the TIBHAR Evolution 2.
Feel and Feedback
Players who have tried the blade often describe the sensation as “solid yet forgiving.” The carbon layers give a crisp, “ping” sound on contact, while the surrounding wood softens the feel, making it suitable for both forehand and backhand strokes. In a recent review conducted for Tabletennis11.com, the tester noted that the blade’s feedback is comparable to the classic TIBHAR Evolution 3, but with a noticeably higher speed ceiling.
