Weight
85.5g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
AVANTIR
Darker's AVANTIR stands as a standout offensive blade in their Aurovei series, delivering remarkable speed paired with surprising control. Its unique 9-ply construction blends Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) through the AuroVeil LS technology with Aramid Carbon, creating a lightweight yet powerful blade that feels quick in hand. Designed for aggressive attackers, it maintains excellent touch for looping and spinning, making it effective both close to the table and at mid-distance. The AVANTIR strikes that rare balance of providing plenty of speed without losing feel, though it's worth noting this blade has been discontinued.
The construction features a 5+4 ply setup with 5 wood plies and 4 fiber plies. This includes 2 layers of AuroVeil LS (Carbon Nanofiber) and 2 layers of Aramid Carbon arranged in an inner-fiber configuration where wood plies separate the fiber layers. The specific wood types used in the 5 plies aren't detailed in available information.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Our testing consistently places the AVANTIR's speed in the high offensive range. Players describe it as very fast and note it's among the quickest blades in the Aurovei series, fitting solidly into the OFF+ category for aggressive attackers.
What really stands out about the AVANTIR is how it maintains impressive control despite its speed. Many players report excellent ball placement and touch, allowing them to play aggressively without sacrificing precision.
The AVANTIR delivers a medium-hard feel that many players appreciate. The AuroVeil LS material contributes to that gentle, woody sensation during shots while maintaining crisp feedback.
As a fantastic looping blade, the AVANTIR naturally produces a medium-high throw angle that gives players a safer arc over the net, making aggressive shots more consistent.
This blade really excels as a looping weapon with perfect dwell time that keeps the ball on the racket longer, allowing players to generate heavy spin with confidence.
The blade offers medium flexibility that provides that crisp response players want while maintaining enough give for controlled shots and spin generation.
One of the AVANTIR's standout features is its minimal vibration. The expanded sweet spot and clean feel make for a very comfortable playing experience shot after shot.
As a Japanese brand, Darker maintains high craftsmanship standards with many blades being handmade in Yokohama. Players consistently describe the AVANTIR as a beautifully made blade that feels premium in hand.
Technology
Darker's AVANTIR leverages two advanced composite materials: Carbon Nanofiber through their proprietary AuroVeil LS technology and Aramid Carbon. AuroVeil LS uses cellulose nanofiber derived from specially processed wood, offering incredible lightness and durability - our analysis indicates it's significantly stronger than steel while being much lighter. This material provides that soft, woody feel players love while adding power without harshness. The Aramid Carbon contributes to the blade's excellent elasticity and soft impact sensation. By strategically combining and positioning these materials, Darker created an expanded sweet spot with reduced vibration, enhancing both power and control in one package.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
The Butterfly Viscaria serves as a great benchmark for ALC blades with its well-balanced combination of speed, spin, and control. Many players find it shares similar offensive characteristics and playing style with the AVANTIR, particularly in terms of that crisp response and flexible feel.
Butterfly Maze ALC
The Maze ALC offers another excellent ALC option that players often compare to the AVANTIR. Our testing shows it delivers similar performance characteristics with that blend of speed, control, and spin potential that aggressive players appreciate.