Weight
88g
Thickness
6.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Challenge Speed
Adidas Challenge Speed is a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade built for players who want power without sacrificing feel. It combines a traditional wood construction with a thinner, balanced profile that delivers high speed for topspin and drives while maintaining impressive control. The Limba outer plies provide a soft touch and good sound, while the Ayous core adds stiffness for direct power. This versatile blade suits intermediate to advanced players looking for a dynamic, responsive weapon for aggressive play from all distances.
This symmetrical 7-ply construction uses Limba for the outer plies and Ayous for the inner plies, with a thicker Ayous central core. The Limba provides a softer touch and is known for its good acoustic feedback, while the Ayous core contributes to the blade's overall stiffness, speed, and balanced power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Adidas Challenge Speed lives up to its name with high offensive speed. Its 7-ply all-wood construction, particularly the Limba outer plies, generates significant power for fast drives and heavy topspins. Our testing shows it stands out as one of the faster blades in the all-wood category, delivering a crisp, direct response that excels in aggressive rallies.
Despite its high speed, Challenge Speed offers impressive control. The balanced construction and soft Limba outer plies create good dwell time and a manageable feel for precise placement and sensitive shots. Players report it feels more controllable than many blades in its speed class, making it a confident choice for developing offensive techniques.
Challenge Speed offers a unique feel: a soft initial touch from the Limba surface, backed by a solid, somewhat stiff overall character from the 7-ply build. This combination provides direct feedback while still allowing good ball engagement for spin.
The blade's construction promotes a medium-high to high throw angle, especially when paired with modern rubbers. This facilitates aggressive looping and arc generation, making it effective for heavy topspin play.
The 7-ply wood construction, especially the softer Limba outer plies, provides sufficient dwell time for effective spin generation. This allows players to brush the ball confidently for loops and drives with good spin.
Challenge Speed is on the stiffer side of the flexibility spectrum. This stiffness supports its power and speed, providing a direct catapult effect while the wood construction still allows for a controlled, linear power delivery.
The blade transmits minimal vibration upon impact, contributing to a clean, solid feel and enhanced control. This low-vibration characteristic is a hallmark of well-designed, stiff all-wood blades.
Challenge Speed is regarded as a well-constructed blade with good finishing. The use of quality Limba wood for the outer plies adds to its aesthetic appeal and solid feel. The overall build quality supports consistent performance and durability.
Technology
The Adidas Challenge Speed was developed as the first 7-ply all-wood blade in their lineup, engineered to compete with established classics. Its technology focuses on a refined plywood construction that balances power with control. The use of Limba outer plies provides a soft touch, good sound, and contributes to speed, while the thicker Ayous central core adds rigidity and stability. The overall design aimed for a thinner, lighter profile to improve feel and maneuverability for dynamic offensive play.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
Stiga Clipper Wood is the classic benchmark for 7-ply all-wood offensive blades that Challenge Speed was designed to rival. Many players find the Challenge Speed to be faster than the Clipper CR while offering a similarly direct feel and high level of control, making it a compelling alternative for players seeking a more modern, speed-oriented take on the all-wood offensive concept.
Butterfly SK7
Butterfly SK7 is another established 7-ply all-wood blade known for its speed and solid feel. Like the Challenge Speed, it is built for aggressive, power-oriented play. Players considering the SK7 may find the Challenge Speed offers a comparable blend of stiffness and power with its own distinct feel and balance.