Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck vs Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version
A side-by-side of Zhaozihao ARC Special Version and one of Tibhar's best-known blades: Loki's own manufacturer specification against the competitor's published construction and category, with no claim either one wins outright.
Specification comparison
Direct comparison of core material parameters, playing dynamics, and UK retail price points.
| Specification | Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck | Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version |
|---|---|---|
| Category / Role | OFF Offensive Blade | OFF+ Offensive Blade |
| Blade Composition | 5 Wood + 2 Outer PBO/Zylon Carbon (Limba Veneers, Kiri Core) | 5 Wood + 2 Outer Aryl Carbon |
| Thickness | ~5.7mm (5.7–5.8mm, independent lab measurement) | 5.8mm (±0.2mm) |
| Head Size & Weight | Head size not published — ~85g (82–91g range across sources) | 157×150mm (~88g) |
| UK Retail Price | ≈£158 (converted from $200 USD at ~0.79 exchange rate) | £169.99 inc. VAT |
| Tournament Compliance | ITTF Tournament Legal | ✔ ITTF 85% Natural Wood Rule Compliant |
Technical rationale and playstyle alignment
The Cedric Nuytinck blade favours control-first counter-attacking play. Zhaozihao ARC Special Version is built for the same job — a 5-ply wood outer + 2-ply ARYL Carbon layup aimed at decisive counter-hitting.
Note: Think of this as a positioning match, not a promise of an identical feel — ply counts, fibre types and factory tolerances vary between any two brands, Loki included. If Cedric Nuytinck worked for you, treat Zhaozihao ARC Special Version as an informed starting point in our range, not a guaranteed like-for-like.
Recommended Loki equipment
Pair this setup with complementary tournament rubbers and accessories.
Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version
5-ply wood outer + 2-ply ARYL Carbon blade; crisp transparent feel, decisive counter-hitting
- 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 Zhaozihao ARC Special Version as good as the Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck?
Loki UK doesn’t claim the Zhaozihao ARC Special Version is objectively better than the Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck, and this page isn’t trying to declare a winner. Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck is an outer-carbon blade tuned for precise close-to-table counter-attacks. Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version provides matching outer Aryl Carbon acceleration, engineered specifically with penhold and shakehand balance options for aggressive, direct looping without sacrificing short-game touch.
What is the Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version made of?
The Loki Zhaozihao 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 Zhaozihao ARC Special Version specifically, from Loki’s 2026 catalogue — see the table above for thickness and weight.
Is the Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version legal for ITTF and Table Tennis England tournaments?
Yes. The Loki Zhaozihao 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 Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck.
How much does the Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version cost compared to the Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck?
The Tibhar Cedric Nuytinck is priced at ≈£158 (converted from $200 USD at ~0.79 exchange rate). The Loki Zhaozihao ARC Special Version costs £169.99 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.