Weight
86g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
150x157
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Victoria
Animus Victoria is a 5-ply all-wood blade handcrafted in Italy for combi players. It offers a unique playing experience with distinct characteristics on each side, making it ideal for asymmetric rubber setups like anti-spin or pimples paired with smooth rubber. Designed for controlled yet offensive play, it excels in passive shots like blocking while enabling safe execution of all strokes. Its moderate speed and good feel allow defenders to transition smoothly to offense when opportunities arise, providing a balanced tool for intermediate to advanced players who value precision and versatility.
This 5-ply all-wood construction features specific wood types chosen for their distinct properties. The combination aims to provide a rigid feel while maintaining good control and dwell time, suited for combi play. Hinoki on the outer and inner layers contributes to the blade's feel and speed, while Kiri-Pawlonia offers a lighter core.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Animus Victoria offers a moderate speed, rated around 7.0 out of 10. It is slightly faster than its predecessor, making it effective for drives and blocks. This speed provides a balance between offensive power and control, allowing for quick exchanges and confident counter-attacks without sacrificing consistency.
The blade is highly regarded for its control, with ratings consistently around 8.0 or higher. This excellent control allows players to place the ball with precision, making it ideal for defensive strategies, blocking, and controlled offensive play. The high control rating ensures consistency even during fast rallies.
Animus Victoria is described as a rigid blade, contributing to a more direct feel and faster ball return on blocks and drives. This direct feedback is beneficial for players who rely on precise placement and quick counter-attacks, though it offers less of a 'feeling the ball' sensation compared to softer blades.
Animus Victoria likely has a medium-high throw angle, complementing its combi-player focus. This characteristic assists in generating effective spin on serves and drives while allowing for aggressive blocks and counter-attacks that keep the ball low and fast.
The blade offers good dwell time, which contributes to its high control rating. This allows players to impart spin and place the ball accurately, particularly in passive game situations like blocking and chopping, helping to absorb and redirect the opponent's power effectively.
The blade is characterized as rigid, translating to low flexibility. This stiffness is beneficial for direct power transfer and stability during hard hits, especially when paired with softer rubbers, appealing to players who prefer a stiff blade for their game.
As a rigid blade, Animus Victoria likely transmits a moderate amount of vibration. This provides useful feedback to the player without being excessive, maintaining stability during powerful shots while allowing you to feel the ball contact.
Animus Victoria is a well-crafted blade, with its handcrafted Italian origins suggesting a high level of attention to detail and quality materials. Player feedback reflects a positive perception of its build quality and durability, contributing to its reliable performance.
Technology
Animus Victoria is a testament to Italian craftsmanship, being a handcrafted, 5-ply all-wood blade that embodies the 'Made in Italy' ethos. It utilizes selected wood essences and modern assembly techniques to create a blade with distinct properties on each side, catering specifically to 'combi' players who employ varied rubber types. The blade's rigid nature, combined with its wood composition, aims to deliver a unique blend of control, feel, and moderate speed that supports both defensive block-and-pass play and offensive counter-attacking opportunities.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Combi Wood Attack
Animus Victoria is directly inspired by the discontinued Nittaku Combi Wood Attack. Both blades are designed for combi players and aim to offer differentiated performance between the forehand and backhand sides, utilizing similar wood construction principles. Players looking for a modern equivalent to the Nittaku Combi Wood Attack would find Animus Victoria a suitable alternative.