Weight
86g
Thickness
6.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
156x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
7p-2a Point Carbon
Crafted in Japan, the Darker 7P-2A Carbon delivers a perfect marriage of classic Hinoki feel with modern power and stability. This 7-ply hybrid combines five layers of premium Kiso Hinoki with two strategically positioned carbon layers, creating a blade that feels remarkably soft yet packs serious offensive capability. You'll notice exceptional dwell time for spin generation and precise placement, while the inner carbon provides explosive power when needed, a generous sweet spot, and rock-solid stability for aggressive attacks and blocks.
Seven plies total: five layers of Kiso Hinoki wood and two carbon layers. The construction features Hinoki outer plies, followed by inner Hinoki layers, then the carbon, and finally a central Hinoki core for that classic feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Our analysis places the Darker 7P-2A Carbon in the OFF- to OFF speed range. While some players might find it on the faster side of OFF-, others appreciate its controlled offensive pace that never feels overwhelming. This balanced speed makes it suitable for players who want power without sacrificing control.
Control is where this blade truly shines. Many players report near-perfect control with outstanding stability across all strokes. The combination of Hinoki feel and carbon reinforcement creates a blade that responds predictably to your input, whether you're playing delicate touches or powerful attacks.
The Darker 7P-2A Carbon delivers that signature Hinoki feel - soft, elastic, and incredibly responsive. Despite the carbon layers, the blade maintains that classic wood sensation that many players love, providing excellent feedback on every shot.
The combination of high dwell time and spin capability creates a medium-high throw angle that really helps with looping. The ball tends to arc nicely over the net, making it easier to generate heavy topspin shots.
Thanks to the premium Hinoki construction, this blade offers outstanding dwell time that really lets you grip the ball. This extended contact translates to heavy spin generation and superior control over your shots.
With medium flexibility, the Darker 7P-2A Carbon strikes a nice balance between power and spin potential. There's enough give to help generate spin while maintaining the stability needed for powerful shots.
The blade provides just the right amount of feedback without being overly vibratory. You get clear sensation of ball contact without distracting vibrations, allowing for precise shot execution and good tactile feedback.
Handmade in Japan with Darker's renowned craftsmanship, this blade exemplifies premium quality. The attention to detail in construction and the use of select Kiso Hinoki wood results in an instrument that feels and performs exceptionally well.
Technology
Darker's 7P-2A Carbon features their signature '2A' manufacturing process alongside a 'Built-in Point Carbon Focus Point' technology. This innovative approach places carbon layers internally to optimize the sweet spot, enhance stability, and deliver power while preserving the delicate Hinoki feel. The result is carbon-like power without the typical stiffness, making it ideal for strong topspin attacks. The premium Kiso Hinoki wood itself is renowned for its exceptional ball-holding capability, significantly contributing to spin and dwell time.
Similar Blades
Darker 7P-2A.7t
If you're looking for more power from the Darker lineup, the 7P-2A.7t offers a thicker all-Hinoki construction that delivers more pronounced catapult and faster response while maintaining that signature Hinoki feel.
Nittaku Ma Long 5
Many players find the Nittaku Ma Long 5 provides a similar blend of touch and power, offering comparable feel and performance characteristics for offensive players who value control.
DHS Hurricane 301
The DHS Hurricane 301 shares some similarities in finesse, though our testing shows the Darker 7P-2A Carbon offers more pronounced feel and touch alongside its power capabilities.