Weight
82g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Alba Sakura
Darker Alba Sakura combines premium Kiso Hinoki with specialized woods in a 7-ply offensive blade that delivers both speed and exceptional control. The unique Sakura gluing technology creates cherry blossom pink lines between layers, providing soft shock-absorbance at low impact and powerful flex with catapult effect on aggressive shots. This blade replicates the coveted feel of single-ply Hinoki while offering the stability of multi-ply construction, making it ideal for players who want dwell time for spin generation alongside explosive power for driving rallies.
Seven-ply all-wood construction prominently features Kiso Hinoki combined with other unspecified wood types, designed to replicate the unique feel of single-ply Hinoki through multi-ply construction and special Sakura gluing method.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The Alba Sakura delivers offensive-level speed perfect for attacking players, with a noticeable catapult effect that amplifies power during driving rallies. Despite its fast performance, the blade maintains enough control for precise close-to-table shots, creating a balanced offensive tool that doesn't sacrifice placement for power.
Remarkable control characterizes this offensive blade, with its flexible construction and Hinoki-inspired feel allowing precise driving and looping. The design suppresses bounce effectively during blocks and short game exchanges, giving players confidence in placement while maintaining offensive capabilities.
Players experience a comfortable medium-soft feel with minimal vibration, creating a responsive touch that excels in spin-oriented play. The blade provides excellent feedback while remaining forgiving on off-center hits, making it suitable for intricate shot-making.
Designed to increase bounce for driving rallies, the blade produces a medium-high throw angle that complements offensive play. This trajectory works well for looping and powerful topspin shots while remaining controllable.
The Sakura technology specifically enhances dwell time sensation, allowing the ball to linger on the rubber for improved spin generation. This extended contact creates a hugging effect that benefits loopers and players who rely on heavy spin in their game.
Significant flex enables the catapult effect on powerful strokes while maintaining stability for controlled shots. The blade transitions smoothly from soft flex on touch shots to strong flex on aggressive attacks, creating dynamic playing characteristics.
Minimal vibration characterizes the playing experience, providing solid and direct feedback without distracting resonance. This clean sensation helps players focus on shot placement and timing rather than dealing with excessive blade chatter.
Darker's reputation for exceptional craftsmanship shines through in the Alba Sakura, featuring beautiful finishing and premium Kiso Hinoki selection. The attention to detail and traditional Japanese blade-making expertise results in a product that feels premium in hand and performs reliably.
Technology
Darker's innovative Sakura technology represents years of research, featuring a special gluing method between the 7 plies that creates visible cherry blossom pink lines on the blade edge. This system replicates the unique sensation of one-ply Hinoki blades - soft feel, extended dwell time, and powerful stretch - within a more stable multi-ply construction. The technology enables non-linear flex characteristics: weak shock-absorbance at low impact for control transforms into strong flex at high impact for significant power and catapult effect in offensive rallies.
Similar Blades
Darker Serio
As the other blade in the original Sakura series, the Darker Serio shares the same 7-ply all-wood construction and Sakura technology but features pure Hinoki composition throughout. This creates a slightly different playing sensation while maintaining the same goal of replicating one-ply Hinoki feel in a more durable format.
Nittaku Septear
The Nittaku Septear offers similar 7-ply Hinoki construction that many players find comparable to the Darker Sakura series. It provides comparable Hinoki-centric feel and offensive capabilities, making it an attractive alternative for those seeking the distinctive Hinoki playing experience.