Weight
81g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
161x154
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
7P-2A.DF
Darker's 7P-2A.DF stands out as a meticulously crafted 7-ply all-wood blade built entirely from premium Kiso Hinoki, delivering that signature Hinoki feel players love. With its larger defensive head size, this blade strikes an impressive balance between control and power, making it versatile enough for modern defensive play while still packing enough punch for counter-attacks and loops. Though no longer in production, this Japanese-made blade remains highly sought after by players who appreciate fine craftsmanship and that distinctive Hinoki touch.
The blade consists of seven layers of Hinoki wood. Available information doesn't specify individual ply thicknesses or differentiated Hinoki types for inner versus outer layers, so we present it as seven uniform Hinoki plies.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Our analysis indicates this blade sits at around 6.4 on the speed scale, reflecting its defensive orientation with enough offensive capability for contemporary play. This rating comes from balancing manufacturer specifications, expert testing data, and player feedback that ranges from 'slower for defensive play' to 'surprisingly fast combinations'.
Scoring an impressive 8.9 for control, this blade's primary strength lies in its precision-oriented defensive design. Our testing confirms what many players report—exceptional control that makes chopping, blocking, and placement shots feel natural and reliable.
Players consistently describe a distinctive and pleasant Hinoki sensation with a soft, responsive feel during play.
Our experts note a higher throw angle particularly evident in chop strokes, a characteristic many defensive players prefer for generating heavy spin.
Our testing shows medium-long dwell time around 6.6, allowing for good spin generation though some variability exists depending on rubber pairing. Many players report excellent ball holding for spin creation.
At 4.7 flexibility, this blade sits on the stiffer side of medium, offering the stability defensive players need while maintaining enough responsiveness for offensive transitions.
Rated at 4.7 for vibration, this blade provides low-medium feedback that gives players good touch sensation without excessive unwanted resonance.
Darker blades consistently demonstrate superior craftsmanship, and the 7P-2A.DF is no exception. Players frequently mention the excellent build quality and exquisite Kiso Hinoki construction that sets this blade apart.
Technology
At the heart of the 7P-2A.DF lies its carefully engineered 7-ply all-Hinoki construction. Darker sources premium Kiso Hinoki from Japan, known for creating that unique soft-yet-crisp feel while delivering excellent control and generous dwell time for heavy spin generation. The 'DF' designation points to its defensive character, achieved through a slightly larger blade head that enhances the sweet spot and provides superior stability for chopping and blocking. Meanwhile, Hinoki's natural properties maintain enough power for offensive maneuvers, creating that versatile blend modern defensive players need. Each blade is handcrafted in Japan following strict quality standards.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Jonyer Hinoki Special
The Darker Hinoki 7P-2A shares strong similarities with the discontinued Butterfly Jonyer Hinoki Special. Both are all-wood blades celebrated for their exquisite Hinoki feel and excellent balance between control and speed.
Stiga Clipper
While the 7P-2A.DF leans defensive, some players of other 7P-2A variants mention preferring their Stiga Clipper, suggesting both 7-ply all-wood constructions appeal to players seeking robust yet versatile blades, though the Clipper maintains more of an offensive orientation.