Weight
85g
Thickness
5.75mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Avalox P500
Avalox P500 is a legendary 5-ply all-wood blade with deep roots in Swedish craftsmanship and Chinese table tennis history. Developed in the late 1980s and famously used by champions, it delivers a masterful balance of speed and control. Its classic construction provides a soft, lively feel with excellent dwell time, making it ideal for spin-oriented attackers who value precision and feedback. This blade remains a top choice for players seeking a reliable, feel-focused offensive tool that inspires confidence from the short game to powerful counter-loops.
This classic 5-ply European offensive construction uses Koto outer plies for crispness and touch, Spruce middle plies for elasticity and speed, and an Ayous core for a soft feel and controlled power. The crossed grain orientation of the middle plies is a noted feature of this traditional build.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Avalox P500 operates in the OFF- to OFF range, offering very good speed for a classic wood blade. It generates solid power, especially from mid-distance, where players can fully utilize its springy construction. While it won't match the raw pace of modern carbon composites, its speed reserves are more than sufficient for finishing points effectively, particularly when paired with dynamic rubbers.
Control is where the P500 truly shines. Its exceptional feel and feedback allow for precise ball placement across all strokes, from delicate pushes and blocks to full-power loops. This high level of predictability and touch builds player confidence and is a key reason for its enduring popularity among technicians and attackers alike.
Avalox P500 provides an excellent, lively feel that sits between medium-soft and medium. It offers substantial, clear feedback on contact, allowing players to feel the ball sink into the blade. This connection fosters precision and is a significant advantage for players who prioritize touch over raw stiffness.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which naturally aids in generating arc and spin on attacking shots. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for players who rely on looping as a primary weapon, helping to clear the net with safety and depth.
The blade's softer wood plies and inherent flexibility contribute to a notably good dwell time. This allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer, which is crucial for loading modern rubbers with heavy spin, especially on loops and opening attacks.
The P500 exhibits a pleasing flex and springiness. This flexibility helps the blade store and release energy efficiently, contributing to both spin generation and a more forgiving, controlled impact, especially on off-center hits.
Vibrations are minimal yet present, providing just enough feedback to feel connected to the shot without becoming harsh or distracting. This balanced profile enhances the overall feeling of control and solid contact.
Crafted in Sweden with traditional methods, the P500 boasts high-quality construction known for durability and excellent workmanship. The blade features a finely rounded head edge for a premium finish. Some players recommend sealing the blade upon receipt to protect the wood and enhance its longevity, which is a testament to its value as a long-term playing partner.
Technology
The Avalox P500 is a product of meticulous Swedish manufacturing, where wood veneers are bonded under strictly controlled conditions to preserve their natural properties. A signature feature is the finely rounded edge around the entire head, which enhances comfort and gives the blade a luxurious finish. The construction leverages five carefully selected wood layers, each contributing to the blade's renowned elasticity, touch, and controlled power, forming the foundation of its classic performance.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kong Linghui
Kong Linghui famously used the Avalox P500 to win the 1995 World Championships. The blade's blend of speed, outstanding control, and excellent feel perfectly complemented his spin-oriented, attacking style, allowing for precise topspin shots and powerful counterattacks that defined his legendary career.
Wang Nan
Wang Nan utilized the P500 throughout her dominant career, leveraging its ability to generate heavy spin and maintain high control during aggressive rallies. The blade's reliability and responsive feel gave her the confidence to execute a powerful and consistent topspin game, contributing to her multiple World Championship and Olympic gold medals.
Ma Wenge
Ma Wenge favored the P500 for its offensive capabilities suited to the European topspin style. The blade's construction supported effective looping and counter-driving, aligning with his attacking prowess and helping him achieve significant success in international competitions during the late 1990s.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Kong Linghui
The Butterfly Kong Linghui blade is a direct homage and shares a very similar 5-ply all-wood construction. Both are celebrated for excellent spin, control, and feel, catering to identical playing styles. Some players note the original Avalox P500 might have a slight edge in construction quality and the purity of its playing sensation.
Stiga Offensive Classic
Avalox P500 shares an almost identical wood composition (Koto-Spruce-Ayous-Spruce-Koto) with older versions of the Stiga Offensive Classic. Both are designed for offensive play with a strong emphasis on spin and control. They offer a comparable performance profile, though many players regard the P500 as the benchmark for this classic blade archetype.