Andro Treiber Z Review: OFF-Class Control in a Composite Blade

By UltraSpin · 2026-06-11 · blade

The Andro Treiber Z sits at the top of Andro’s Treiber line as the brand’s flagship composite offensive blade. Built with two outer plies of kiso hinoki and an inner layer of Z-fiber composite material, it delivers a playing character that experienced players describe as unlike any other blade in the OFF category. It earned a devoted following before being discontinued, and used copies remain in demand. This review draws on verified user experiences from Revspin, TableTennis Reference, BladeRubber.net, and the TableTennisDaily community to give a complete picture of what the blade does well and where it falls short.

Performance

The Treiber Z opens up its best qualities gradually. On first contact it feels fast but not wild, with a mild, crispy sensation and very little vibration passing through the handle. The sweet spot is genuinely large for a 7-ply composite, and off-center contacts produce surprisingly stable, even returns that make blocking against heavy topspin far more manageable than on a stiffer, smaller-headed blade.

In the short game the blade excels. Pushes stay low and controlled, short serves load up spin easily, and flicks off the bounce are precise and punchy. Players upgrading from all-wood blades often find the Treiber Z far easier to manage than faster ZLC options at this price tier, because the hinoki outer provides a slightly softer first contact that absorbs pace before releasing the ball with good speed.

Looping is the Treiber Z’s signature strength. Opening up against backspin produces a low, penetrating arc that troubles opponents, while counter-looping benefits from the blade’s ability to increase throw angle when contacting an incoming topspin ball. The result is a dive-down trajectory with plenty of net clearance and serious pace. Mid-distance exchanges are equally comfortable, with the blade maintaining spin and speed even when pulled away from the table.

Flat hitting and smashing benefit from the composite core’s stiffness, which transfers power efficiently without the blade feeling harsh. Passive blocks carry enough pace to put pressure on opponents even when the player is simply redirecting the ball. The low throw angle means players need to pair the Treiber Z with rubbers offering at least medium throw to avoid clipping the net on opening loops, with community favorites including Rasant Grip, Tenergy 05 FX, and Rasanter R47.

At roughly 87-90g, the blade is on the heavier side of the composite market and can feel slightly head-heavy when combined with dense rubbers on both sides. Players with smaller hands or those used to lighter setups should factor this into their rubber selection.

What Reviewers Agree (and Disagree) On

Reviewers across Revspin, BladeRubber.net, TableTennis Reference, and TableTennisDaily agree strongly that the Treiber Z offers an exceptional speed-to-control ratio that is rare among composite blades in the OFF category. The large sweet spot, low vibration, and excellent short game are cited universally as strengths. There is minor disagreement over how demanding the blade is: most advanced players find it manageable and describe it as a blade that rewards clean technique, while a smaller group warns it can be unforgiving for players with inconsistent stroke mechanics. A few users reported occasional catapult inconsistency that most other reviewers did not experience, likely reflecting sample variation across production units.

Who Should Buy It

The Andro Treiber Z is best suited to advanced players who have developed consistent forehand and backhand loops and want a composite blade that keeps them in control without blunting their attacking game. It works well for players who compete at the club or regional level and need a blade that performs across all phases of the game, from tight serve-and-receive exchanges to fast mid-distance rallies. Players at the beginner or early intermediate stage should look at slower blades first and return to the Treiber Z once their technique is solid enough to exploit its full range.

FAQ

What is the Z-fiber material in the Andro Treiber Z?

Andro did not officially specify the exact material. Community testing and teardowns suggest it is a composite fiber layer, with some players describing it as closer to fiberglass than the gold-colored Zylon used in other blades. The inner fiber layer appears dark blue and produces a soft-but-crispy playing feel with low vibration.

Is the Andro Treiber Z still available to buy?

The blade has been discontinued by Andro. It can occasionally be found through second-hand sellers, auction sites, or specialty retailers with old inventory. Availability is limited and prices on the used market are often higher than the original retail price.

What rubbers pair best with the Treiber Z?

Because the blade has a low throw angle, pairing it with rubbers that have at least medium throw is recommended. Community favorites include Rasant Grip, Rasanter R47, Tenergy 05 FX, and Yasaka Rakza 7 or Rakza Z. Medium-soft tensor rubbers help add dwell time and lift on opening loops.

How does the Treiber Z compare to the Andro Treiber CI OFF?

These are distinct blades. The Treiber Z uses kiso hinoki outer plies with an inner Z-fiber layer and is rated OFF. The Treiber CI OFF features a different construction philosophy and is a more recent model in the Treiber lineup. Players generally describe the Treiber Z as having superior touch and a larger sweet spot, while the CI OFF offers a more modern feel.

Is the Treiber Z suitable for close-to-table play?

Yes. Multiple reviewers highlight the blade’s short-game performance as a standout feature. Blocks, pushes, flicks, and receives all feel precise and controllable, which is unusual for a blade rated at OFF speed. The large sweet spot makes passive blocks particularly effective.

What weight and thickness should I expect?

Reported weights range from around 87g to 90g depending on the individual blade and handle type. Thickness is approximately 6.6mm to 6.8mm, making it one of the thicker 7-ply composite blades on the market. The blade tends to be slightly head-heavy, which should be considered when choosing rubbers.