Weight
81g
Thickness
6.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
7P-2A
The Darker 7P-2A is a classic 7-ply all-wood blade crafted from premium Japanese Kiso Hinoki. It delivers a unique 'embracing' feel on contact, facilitating excellent spin production and a deep sweet spot. This blade strikes a compelling balance, offering enough speed for offensive play while maintaining superb touch for the short game and stable blocking. Its precise construction highlights the natural characteristics of Hinoki, providing a distinct, responsive feel without synthetic fibers.
The Darker 7P-2A features a 7-ply all-Hinoki construction. It uses a medium-thick core with a horizontal wood grain, surrounded by thinner veneers. The plies alternate between vertical and horizontal grain orientation: the outer plies have a vertical grain, the penultimate plies have a horizontal grain, and the inner plies have a vertical grain, leading to the horizontal grain core. This pure Hinoki composition is responsible for the blade's distinct soft feel, excellent dwell time, and natural catapult effect.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The Darker 7P-2A is generally considered an offensive (OFF) blade, though often positioned at the lower to mid-range of the category. Its speed is linear, responding directly to the power exerted by the player. This makes it highly controllable at lower impacts while still providing ample power for aggressive attacks. Our testing shows it delivers a controlled offensive speed that rewards player technique.
Control is a major highlight of the 7P-2A, frequently described as superb. It offers exceptional touch for short game play and stable blocking, preventing the ball from getting out of hand even during aggressive rallies. The forgiving nature of the Hinoki layers allows for precise ball placement and inspires confidence in all phases of the game.
The blade offers a distinctly soft and 'embracing' feel upon ball contact, a signature characteristic of its all-Hinoki construction. This soft feel provides excellent feedback and a strong connection with the ball, enhancing spin generation and overall touch. Despite being a 7-ply, it avoids an overly hard or stiff sensation.
The blade tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, especially noticeable when looping. This characteristic assists in clearing the net with a good margin and generating high, arcing topspin shots.
The 7-ply Hinoki construction provides an above-average to long dwell time. This extended contact is crucial for generating high levels of spin, particularly beneficial for looping players. The blade holds the ball well, allowing for more brush and control during strokes.
The Darker 7P-2A has a medium-stiff flexibility. It exhibits some flex but is not overly pliant, striking a balance that provides sufficient power for offensive strokes while maintaining the controlled, solid feel characteristic of quality Hinoki blades.
The all-wood Hinoki composition results in a deep, hollow, and reverberating sensation upon ball impact. It offers ample, lively feedback to the hand, allowing players to feel the ball effectively without the sensation being overly harsh or stiff.
Darker is renowned for its premium Kiso Hinoki blades, and the 7P-2A is a prime example. TTSensei experts consistently note its exceptional build quality, exquisite finish, and the high-grade materials used. The meticulous handcraftsmanship contributes to its reputation for outstanding durability and aesthetic appeal, placing it among the finest all-wood blades available.
Technology
The core technology of the Darker 7P-2A is its exceptional 7-ply all-Hinoki wood construction. Darker specializes in utilizing premium Kiso Hinoki (Japanese Cypress), a wood prized for its unique elastic properties, excellent vibration absorption, and distinctive 'embracing' feel. This specific ply combination is engineered to maximize the natural characteristics of Hinoki, offering a significant sweet spot and a linear speed response. The careful selection and layering of veneers provide a balance of power for offensive play with outstanding control and high spin potential, showcasing traditional Japanese blade craftsmanship.
Similar Blades
Avalox BT555
Many players find the Darker 7P-2A plays somewhere between the Avalox BT555 and the Stiga Clipper. It shares a similar all-wood feel and offensive characteristics but offers the distinct Hinoki touch and is generally lighter in overall weight compared to the BT555.
Stiga Clipper
Similar to the Avalox BT555, the Stiga Clipper is referenced for its comparable all-wood offensive nature. The 7P-2A is considered lighter than the Clipper, offering a different balance while targeting the same audience of offensive players who appreciate a solid wood feel and control.