Weight
81g
Plies
7-ply
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Head-Heavy
Hercules (chinese Penhold Version)
Animus Hercules (Chinese Penhold Version) is a handcrafted Italian blade designed for penhold players seeking a powerful yet controlled offensive game. It blends traditional wood feel with modern material technology, offering a distinct playing experience that supports aggressive topspin attacks and precise placement. This blade is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who value artisanal quality and a dynamic, close-to-the-table style, providing a unique balance of power and touch.
Based on similar Animus models, Hercules likely uses a 7-ply construction with layers like limba, koto, ayous, and txt fibers. This combination aims to blend wood feel with composite reinforcement for a balanced performance of speed and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating of 8.0, Animus Hercules offers strong offensive capability, making it suitable for aggressive drives and fast topspin shots. It provides enough pace for modern attacking styles while retaining a degree of control, allowing players to execute powerful attacks without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
Despite the speed, control is solid on this one. For penhold players, that balance matters a lot since you need accurate placement and shot variety. Blocking feels stable, spin play works well, and you can stay consistent even during aggressive rallies.
Animus Hercules delivers a medium-hard feel, providing direct feedback and a stiff response that supports powerful shots and quick attacks. This feel enhances control during aggressive play, giving players a solid connection with the ball for confident strokes.
The blade features a medium-high throw angle, facilitating aggressive topspin loops and powerful drives. This characteristic supports an offensive playing style, allowing players to execute high-arcing shots with confidence and control.
Our testing shows a dwell time rating of 7.0, indicating a moderate to good ability to hold the ball on the blade. This helps players generate effective spin and maintain control during fast exchanges, making it suitable for topspin-oriented play.
A flexibility rating of 3.0 reflects a relatively stiff blade, typical for offensive designs focused on speed and direct power. This stiffness provides a stable platform for hard hits but offers less of a whippy feel compared to more flexible blades, favoring power over extreme looping.
With a vibration rating of 7.0, Animus Hercules offers moderate feedback that balances ball feel with vibration absorption. Players experience enough sensation to gauge their shots without excessive harshness, contributing to a comfortable and responsive playing experience.
The 9.0 quality rating reflects the exceptional artisanal craftsmanship and premium materials from this Italian maker. Players can expect excellent build quality, durability, and a refined feel that justifies the blade's higher price point, offering a reliable and premium playing experience.
Technology
Animus blades are handcrafted in Italy with an emphasis on selected woods and quality materials, creating instruments with a unique character. The Hercules line focuses on power and performance, potentially incorporating composite materials alongside traditional wood veneers. Italian craftsmanship ensures meticulous attention to detail and a premium feel, distinguishing these blades through artisanal quality and innovative design.
Similar Blades
Dr Neubauer Hercules
Dr Neubauer Hercules is a similarly named blade that also combines Kiso-Hinoki wood with artificial fiber, designed for disruptive play and strong hitting. While it often pairs with pimples or anti-spin rubbers, its core construction shares a focus on powerful, controlled offense. However, Animus Hercules is tailored for Chinese penhold grip, offering a different handle and potentially adjusted playing characteristics for that specific style.