Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed vs Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version
Donic's Ovtcharov Carbospeed against Loki's Zhouyu ARC Special Version — matched by construction and manufacturer specification, and a straight answer if you've played one and are wondering about the other.
Specification comparison
Direct comparison of core material parameters, playing dynamics, and UK retail price points.
| Specification | Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed | Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version |
|---|---|---|
| Category / Role | OFF/OFF+ Offensive Blade | OFF+ Offensive Blade |
| Blade Composition | 3 Wood + 2 Inner Carbon (Kiri Core, Kiso Hinoki Outer Veneers) | 5 Wood + 2 Outer Aryl Carbon |
| Thickness | ~6.8mm (retailer-published; Donic's own product page does not list a thickness figure) | 5.8mm (±0.2mm) |
| Head Size & Weight | Head size not published by Donic — ~85g (Donic states 80–90g) | 157×150mm (~88g (estimate)) |
| UK Retail Price | ≈£59 (converted from $75 USD at ~0.79 exchange rate) | £145.99 inc. VAT |
| Tournament Compliance | ITTF Tournament Legal | ✔ ITTF 85% Natural Wood Rule Compliant |
Technical rationale and playstyle alignment
Carbospeed is one of Donic's fastest blades. Zhouyu ARC Special Version is Loki's speed-first carbon blade, described in almost identical terms — fast and explosive.
Note: Construction and positioning line up here, but no two brands build a blade the same way — expect real differences in ply, fibre and factory tolerance even where the brief matches. This is our best-informed guess at the closest Loki equivalent, not a claim it plays identically.
Recommended Loki equipment
Pair this setup with complementary tournament rubbers and accessories.
Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version
Explosive blade combining selected wood and special fibres; fast ball speed and stable performance
- Plies: 5 Wood + 2 Out
- Style: OFF+
- ITTF Legal
Loki Rxton 7
Tacky offensive rubber with balanced speed and high dwell for topspin development.
- Style: Tacky
- Hardness: A39
- ITTF Approved
Loki Rxton 3 Max
Versatile all-round tacky sheet with medium cake sponge for control and placement.
- Style: Tacky
- Negh Sponge
- ITTF Approved
Common questions
Is the Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version as good as the Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed?
Loki UK doesn’t claim the Zhouyu ARC Special Version is objectively better than the Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed, and this page isn’t trying to declare a winner. Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed is an extremely stiff, thick carbon blade built for pure power. Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version uses thinner 5.8mm outer Aryl Carbon construction, providing crucial flex and spin control for controlled opening loops while maintaining formidable finishing pace.
What is the Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version made of?
The Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version is an OFF+ Offensive Blade, built as 5 Wood + 2 Outer Aryl Carbon. That’s Loki’s own manufacturer specification for the Zhouyu ARC Special Version specifically, from Loki’s 2026 catalogue — see the table above for thickness and weight.
Is the Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version legal for ITTF and Table Tennis England tournaments?
Yes. The Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version is ITTF 85% Natural Wood Rule Compliant, so it’s legal for British League, county championships and sanctioned local league play, the same as the Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed.
How much does the Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version cost compared to the Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed?
The Donic Ovtcharov Carbospeed is priced at ≈£59 (converted from $75 USD at ~0.79 exchange rate). The Loki Zhouyu ARC Special Version costs £145.99 inc. VAT — check the live price above, since it updates automatically as stock and pricing change, unlike a figure typed into a page.
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Editorial & Compliance Disclosure: Category, construction, thickness, head size and tournament-legality facts for the competitor blade are drawn from its own manufacturer product listing. Loki figures are manufacturer specification from Loki’s 2026 catalogue. This page does not use or cite any third-party community rating site. UK competitor pricing is sourced from the relevant official UK distributor, dated on this page. Loki UK has no business relationship or endorsement from competitor manufacturers. All competitor trademarks belong to their respective owners.