Thickness
6.5mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
257x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
5P-2A.Ri
Darker 5P-2A.Ri is a modernized 5-ply all-wood blade, meticulously handcrafted in Japan. It evolves the classic 5P-2A by incorporating European wood in its outer plies, boosting speed and flexibility while preserving a signature soft feel and excellent control. This design offers a more dynamic experience with increased power on attacks, making it an ideal choice for all-around offensive players who value spin, touch, and precision. The blade provides satisfying dwell time for controlled loops and sensitive touch shots, embodying Darker's commitment to quality craftsmanship and player-focused design.
The 5-ply construction features European wood on the outer plies, which contributes to increased speed and flexibility compared to all-Hinoki blades. The inner plies are Hinoki, and the core is Kiri, providing a balanced feel with good dwell time and control. This hybrid approach to material selection enhances the blade's offensive capabilities while maintaining Darker's signature soft touch.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Darker 5P-2A.Ri offers a significant step up in speed compared to traditional all-wood Hinoki blades, making it suitable for modern offensive play. The inclusion of European wood in the outer plies enhances its responsiveness and power, particularly for drives and loops. While not in the OFF+ or OFF++ category, its speed is more than adequate for players who rely on aggressive topspin and controlled power shots.
Control is a significant strength of the 5P-2A.Ri. Despite its enhanced speed, the blade retains a soft feel and ample dwell time, allowing for precise placement and manipulation of the ball. This makes it forgiving for developing players and a reliable tool for advanced players requiring fine-tuned control for placement shots, blocks, and serves.
Darker 5P-2A.Ri provides a distinctively soft feel, often described as a classic Hinoki touch, but with added feedback due to the European outer plies. This allows players to feel the ball securely on the blade, facilitating spin generation and precise control during all aspects of play, from powerful loops to delicate touch shots.
The blade tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for offensive players, particularly when executing powerful topspin loops. This characteristic helps the ball clear the net with a good trajectory, making aggressive shots more effective while still allowing for controlled placement.
The blade offers substantial dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the wood. This characteristic is crucial for generating heavy spin on serves and loops, as well as for maintaining control during defensive exchanges and close-to-the-table play. The enhanced dwell time contributes significantly to the blade's spin-friendly nature.
The inclusion of European wood in the outer plies enhances the blade's flexibility compared to traditional all-Hinoki constructions. This increased flex aids in creating a deeper ball pocket during strokes, contributing to spin generation and a more dynamic response, especially during looping and driving.
5P-2A.Ri exhibits medium vibration levels. While the Hinoki and European wood construction provides a good feel, it doesn't transmit excessive vibrations, allowing for a comfortable and controlled playing experience. This balance ensures players receive sufficient feedback without being overwhelmed by harshness.
Darker blades are renowned for their exceptional build quality, and the 5P-2A.Ri is no exception. Handmade in Japan by experienced artisans, each blade exemplifies meticulous attention to detail and the use of premium materials. This commitment to craftsmanship ensures durability, consistent performance, and a superior feel characteristic of high-end Japanese table tennis equipment.
Technology
Darker 5P-2A.Ri represents an evolution in blade technology, building upon Darker's heritage of crafting premium Hinoki wood blades. This model innovates by integrating carefully selected European wood for its outer plies, a departure from traditional all-Hinoki constructions. This strategic material choice aims to enhance speed and flexibility without compromising the characteristic soft feel and exceptional control that Darker is known for. The blade is constructed using a 5-ply method, with a Kiri core, Hinoki inner plies, and the aforementioned European wood outer plies. Each blade is handmade in Japan, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and a high level of craftsmanship, a hallmark of the Darker brand.
Similar Blades
Darker Hinoki 5P-2A
Darker Hinoki 5P-2A is the predecessor to the 5P-2A.Ri. It is an all-Hinoki 5-ply blade, known for its excellent feel and control, particularly suited for a topspin game close to the table or from mid-distance. The 5P-2A.Ri can be seen as an upgraded version that increases speed and power by incorporating European wood in its outer plies, while maintaining the classic feel of its predecessor.
Butterfly Kong Linghui Special
While not a direct material equivalent, Butterfly Kong Linghui Special is a 5-ply all-wood blade that some users have sought to find replacements for. Given the Darker 5P-2A.Ri's emphasis on a soft, controlled feel with offensive capabilities and quality craftsmanship, it could serve as an alternative for players looking for a modern, responsive 5-ply wood blade that offers a different feel and construction to composite blades but retains excellent all-around offensive performance.