Weight
86g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Challenge Force
Adidas Challenge Force is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade built for players who value a classic feel. Its limba and ayous construction delivers a soft, responsive touch with excellent dwell time, making it a superb tool for spin generation and consistent looping. This blade provides a reliable balance of speed and control, offering enough pace for attacking play while remaining forgiving and predictable. Its comfortable handle and balanced weight distribution make it a versatile choice for developing players and intermediates seeking a traditional, high-quality wood blade for all-around offensive play.
This is a classic 5-ply all-wood construction with outer and second layers of limba and an ayous core. This specific layup is renowned for producing a soft feel, excellent dwell time, and high levels of control, creating an ideal foundation for spin-oriented, consistent looping play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Challenge Force operates in the medium-fast OFF- range, providing a very effective balance for offensive play. It offers enough speed for powerful loops and counter-attacks while maintaining a predictable and controllable trajectory. This makes it an excellent choice for players who want offensive capability without sacrificing touch and consistency on their shots.
Control is a standout strength of this blade. The soft feel and excellent dwell time allow for precise ball placement and sophisticated spin manipulation. Players find they can execute delicate touch shots, aggressive loops, and consistent blocks with high levels of confidence, making it ideal for a spin-oriented, control-focused game.
The blade delivers a soft and comfortable feel upon contact, a characteristic attributed to its limba outer plies and all-wood build. This provides excellent feedback and a pleasant, forgiving sensation that is particularly beneficial for brushing loops and touch play.
The combination of materials and flexibility produces a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates deep, arcing loop drives that effectively clear the net, making it a natural fit for players who rely on topspin as their primary weapon.
Players report a high level of dwell time, which allows the blade to grip the ball effectively for superior spin generation. This extended contact is a key asset for looping, serving, and any stroke where imparting heavy spin is the goal.
It exhibits good flexibility, contributing directly to its dwell time and spin-friendly nature. This flex allows the blade to load and unload energy during brushing strokes, making it effective for looping and providing a forgiving response on off-center hits.
The blade provides clear, noticeable vibration feedback, which is typical for quality all-wood constructions. This feedback helps players sense ball contact intimately, aiding in stroke adjustment and providing a connected, traditional playing experience.
Our assessment indicates the Challenge Force is well-constructed and durable, built to withstand regular play. Users consistently praise its solid build and longevity, with some noting exceptional durability in their experience. This suggests a high-quality manufacturing standard suitable for serious players.
Technology
Adidas Challenge Force employs a classic and deliberate 5-ply all-wood engineering philosophy. The selection of Limba for the outer and second plies provides a balance of hardness and flexibility, enabling a spin-friendly feel and responsive feedback. The Ayous wood core is lighter and contributes to the overall balanced weight and a softer touch. This traditional construction is meticulously designed to prioritize dwell time, control, and a connected feel, making it an ideal choice for players who value spin generation and precise shot-making over sheer explosive power. The design process focused on refining layer thicknesses and ergonomics to enhance overall playability.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ben Knights
Ben Knights has used the Adidas Challenge Force, specifically praising its comfortable handle and overall feel. His adoption of the blade indicates it is a viable and respected choice for competitive players who value control and a traditional playing sensation.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Petr Korbel
The Petr Korbel is a direct and frequent comparison, sharing an identical 5-ply limba/ayous construction and similar performance profile. Both blades offer a soft, controllable feel perfect for looping, with an excellent speed-to-control ratio. Some players note the Challenge Force may have a slightly larger handle grip.
Tibhar Stratus Powerwood
The Stratus Powerwood is another 5-ply all-wood alternative often mentioned in the same category. However, it is generally described as being faster and stiffer than the Challenge Force, catering to players who desire more inherent power and a firmer feel while still maintaining good control.