Review of Ian W�rz's Dual Speed Tri-Carbon

This is a review of Ian W�rz�s dual-speed Tri-Carbon Cpen/Handshake Blade.  Construction is made of 9 plies Limba-Limba-Carbon-Balsa-Carbon-Balsa-Carbon-Cypress-Western Red Cedar.  I will have pics posted soon as I have to take the rubbers out.  I was too excited when I first received the blade, and slapped rubbers on it right away.  Soon to find out that are two tri-carbon market blades out there (TB Tri-carbon, Guo 3C-discontinued model), but this one is special.  It�s made specifically for my playing style. 

I have been using this setup for nearly three weeks, about 1 hour/day, 6 days/week.  FH rubber JO Gold 2.0, BH H3 Pro D41 2.15.  I would say that I�m a mid-table power all-around attacker, and BH block/control/counter attack. 

Cosmetics: I have to say that I�m not fond of handle wood, but it usually don�t see much light anyways as I wrap it with grip tape.  The custom ST handle was my idea so that in case I need to switch to handshake later on, or EVEN during a match.  Tho it�s a bit thick for my liking, I�ll probably have to sand it down a bit to 31mm.  The finishing of the blade is good; I noticed the slight fine shoulder shaves when I got them.  Balance of the blade is great, even for the slightly longer handle for a CPen user, which doesn�t bother me at all as opposed to a FL/AN/ST.  It is fairly light at 80grams, I don�t have a scale so I took Ian�s word.  The blade is Stiff, but certainly not like a BRICK!

Playing: First day was rough as the balls were flying out of the table, then I noticed that combination has a mid to high throw.  After making new stroke adjustments, the hits have reached its spots on the table time after time.  The carbon sound has became louder each day on rallies and especially piercing on smashes�I love that sound=). 

Serving short with this blade is very difficult as I�m still trying to master a lighter touch.  Mid to long serves are very good and consistent with spin & speed.  Returning serves is also consistent especially with touch shots. 

Looping is solid on the FH, and surprisingly good on RPB BH.  It�s probably because of the Cypress&WRC combination.  BH also gives a great feedback.

Blocking incoming loops & smashes is a breeze, sometimes surprising my opponents with a fast return with less hand motion.  Counter looping is very good for this combination; I was able to keep the pace with my strokes. 

Sweet spot is rather growing larger each day as I am able to control off balance placement shots. 

Don�t get me wrong, this blade is silly fast as it was Ian�s exact words.  There are a stretch of times where my loop shots have gone off the table, smashing shots hitting the wall & breaking numerous balls, but all that can be fixed with adjusted strokes. 

In summary, I think I need to train a bit more on perfecting my strokes & especially serves with a slower setup before I can tame with this beast.  It�ll be special when the day comes.  For now, I will visit this mistress during my non-training days.  I�m pretty satisfied with this piece, and would like to take this opportunity to thank Ian for taking the time to make it. 

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