Gatien Absolum OFF+

Gatien Absolum OFF+ is engineered for high speed, with its hard ebony outer plies being the primary driver of offensive power. Our testing shows it ranks among the fastest all-wood blades available, making it exceptionally effective for aggressive attacks, powerful drives, and fast topspin shots that pressure opponents.

Despite its high speed, the Absolum OFF+ provides a respectable level of control. This is attributed to its uniform central plies and the clear feedback from the hard outer layers. While demanding for beginners, experienced offensive players find they can manage its power effectively for controlled attacks, short game play, and stable blocking.

The blade delivers a hard and rigid feel due to the ebony outer plies, offering a direct, crisp connection to the ball. Some players describe a slightly hollow sensation, while others find it solid and exceptionally responsive on hard impacts, feeling perhaps a touch less brutally hard than some other ebony blades.

Consistent with its fast and direct character, the blade produces a medium-low throw angle. This suits players who prefer to drive the ball with a flatter trajectory or who are adept at generating their own spin through technique.

The hard ebony outer plies and fast nature suggest a medium dwell time. It won't hold the ball as long as softer blades, but it provides sufficient contact for generating effective spin, especially when paired with modern tensor rubbers.

This blade is characterized by significant hardness and rigidity, with players noting almost no flex. This stiffness is key to its powerful, direct response, making it less ideal for players who rely on a flexible blade for looping with a large arc from mid-distance.

Players report a crisp, direct feel with a characteristic 'ping' sound on contact, indicating a medium level of vibration. The stiff construction filters out excessive shake while still providing clear, informative feedback on shot quality.

The blade is highly regarded for its exceptional construction quality. Players consistently praise the excellent craftsmanship, noting precise assembly, tight lining, and the use of durable premium materials like ebony, all contributing to a solid feel and impressive longevity.