Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon Test – First‑Hand Review
Yes guys, recently I had the chance to test the TIBHAR Felix Lebrun Hyper Carbon blade. The blade is marketed as a signature model developed especially for French penholder Felix Lebrun, who is widely regarded as one of the top pen‑hold players in the world. Below is a detailed look at its construction, playing characteristics, and how it performs in real‑match situations.
Blade Construction and Materials
The Hyper Carbon blade combines three layers of carbon with a traditional wood core. According to the manufacturer, the layout is:
- Outer layers: 0.6 mm carbon fiber sheets for added stiffness.
- Middle core: 2.5 mm of high‑grade Koto wood, chosen for its balance of speed and control.
- Inner reinforcement: 0.2 mm carbon sheet to improve vibration damping.
This sandwich structure gives the blade a low flex profile while preserving a soft feel at contact. The carbon layers also contribute to a larger sweet spot, which is especially useful for a pen‑hold grip that relies on quick, precise strokes.
Playing Feel – What I Observed
During my testing sessions I focused on three typical playing scenarios: rallying, looping, and quick attacks. The following observations summarize the blade’s behavior:
- Rally Consistency – The blade feels stable throughout extended rallies. The carbon layers absorb minor vibrations, allowing the ball to stay on the racket longer without a harsh “dead” sensation.
- Looping Power – When executing topspin loops, the Hyper Carbon provides a noticeable boost in speed compared to a standard all‑wood blade of similar thickness. The acceleration is smooth, and the ball exits with a crisp arc.
- Quick Pen‑Hold Attacks – The lightweight construction (approximately 84 g) makes rapid forehand flicks and backhand pushes feel effortless. The blade returns to a neutral position quickly, supporting the rapid footwork typical of Felix Lebrun’s style.
Strengths Highlighted by the Test
Based on the hands‑on experience, the following strengths stand out:
- Speed‑to‑Control Balance – The carbon reinforcement adds speed without sacrificing
