Weight
83g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
7P-2A.7t
Darker's 7P-2A.7t represents the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship with its 7-ply all-wood offensive construction using premium Kiso Hinoki. This blade delivers a remarkable combination of power and control, featuring a soft, embracing feel at impact that transforms into significant repulsive force. The distinctive Hinoki aroma and exceptional workmanship make this a favorite among players who value traditional blade-making artistry. With its generous sweet spot and excellent gear variation, the 7P-2A.7t handles everything from delicate touch shots to powerful mid-distance loops, making it a versatile weapon for advanced attackers.
The blade uses a 7-ply all-wood construction with premium Kiso Hinoki throughout. The precise layering includes thin outer vertical plies, slightly thinner penultimate horizontal plies, slightly thinner inner vertical plies, and a medium-thick horizontal core—all working together to create specific performance characteristics from the all-Hinoki composition.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The 7P-2A.7t operates at OFF+ level, making it the fastest blade in Darker's All Hinoki 2A series with strong repulsive force. Our analysis indicates it's approximately 15% faster than the 7P model and 30% faster than the 2A, confirming its high-speed profile among all-wood blades.
Control performance is exceptional, with many players reporting they can utilize the blade's speed without sacrificing precision. Our testing shows it offers the greatest control within Darker's 7P-2A series, delivering excellent command and positive feedback during play.
This blade delivers a soft initial impact that belies its speed, creating a deep, hollow, and reverberating sensation. The construction gives it a carbon-like feel on shots while maintaining a thick, rigid character. Players experience that wonderful ball feedback unique to Kiso Hinoki.
Many players find the blade produces a slightly lower trajectory than expected, with a very low arc of flight that works particularly well with certain rubber combinations.
Our testing confirms above-average dwell time that enhances its spin-generating capabilities, a characteristic feature of high-quality Hinoki blades.
The 7P-2A.7t presents as stiff and rigid with its thick construction. Compared to carbon versions, it demonstrates less flex while maintaining its powerful character.
The blade produces a deep, hollow, and reverberating sensation that provides moderate feedback and vibration—enough to deliver excellent ball feel without becoming excessive.
The blade receives universal acclaim for its outstanding craftsmanship. TTSensei experts note the exceptional workmanship and exquisite Kiso Hinoki construction, with beautiful finishing that represents superior quality at its price point.
Technology
Darker brings over six decades of Hinoki wood expertise to the 7P-2A.7t, with its core technology centered on precisely selected and layered seven plies of premium Kiso Hinoki. This wood is celebrated for its speed, unique feel, and spin potential. The construction carefully alternates wood grain direction across layers—thin outer vertical plies, slightly thinner penultimate horizontal plies, slightly thinner inner vertical plies, and a medium-thick horizontal core. This specific seven-ply all-Hinoki design at 7.0mm thickness creates powerful repulsive force and a deep sweet spot, distinguishing it from thinner or composite blades while preserving the classic Hinoki touch that delivers carbon-like sensation on shots.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper
The Darker 7P-2A.7t compares well with the Stiga Clipper in speed, though the Clipper might edge slightly faster. However, our testing shows the 7P-2A.7t offers more gear variation—providing slower speed and better feel in low gears while delivering strong acceleration on full hits, creating a distinct playing experience despite similar offensive capabilities.
Darker Esteem
The Darker Esteem serves as a toned-down version of the 7P-2A.7t, featuring a less prominent Hinoki kick and more balanced playing style. It offers a slightly softer impact feel, making it an excellent entry point for players new to pure Hinoki blades.