Weight
88g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
157x152
Handles
ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Impegno
Darker Impegno combines innovative Cellulose Nanofiber technology with traditional wood construction in a 9-ply hybrid blade. This Japanese-crafted offensive blade bridges the gap between all-wood feel and composite power, offering a soft touch with excellent flex for spin generation. The strategic placement of CNF layers provides power on hard hits while reducing vibration, creating a balanced performance ideal for players seeking both control and offensive capabilities. With its medium-soft feel and consistent trajectory, it delivers precision shot placement and comfortable close-to-table play.
Impegno features a sophisticated 9-ply construction with 5 wood layers (Limba-Ayous-Ayous-Ayous-Limba) and 4 Cellulose Nanofiber layers strategically placed throughout. The CNF layers include two thicker outer layers for enhanced drive and two thinner inner layers for vibration reduction, creating a hybrid blade with distinctive feel and performance characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Impegno delivers solid offensive speed that supports attacking play with good momentum for drives and loops. Our testing shows it provides sufficient pace for competitive matches while maintaining a more linear response compared to blades with stronger amplifying effects. Players will find they need to contribute power through their stroke technique rather than relying on the blade's inherent kick.
Control stands out as one of Impegno's strongest attributes, with exceptional ball holding capability and precise shot placement. The blade's construction allows for consistent placement and spin variation even at higher speeds, giving players confidence in their touch shots and technical plays. This high level of control makes it reliable for both offensive and defensive situations.
Impegno delivers a responsive medium-soft feel that provides excellent ball feedback and comfortable touch. The CNF integration creates a distinctive sensation that's softer than traditional composite blades while maintaining the responsiveness needed for offensive play. This balanced feel supports both powerful attacks and delicate touch shots.
The blade produces a medium-low throw angle that supports flatter trajectories and direct power shots. This characteristic benefits players who prefer precision placement and linear attacking play, allowing for consistent ball flight that's predictable and controllable during fast exchanges.
Good dwell time allows Impegno to effectively hold the ball for spin generation and precise placement. The blade's flex characteristics enable players to impart significant spin while maintaining control, making it particularly effective for looping and technical plays that require extended ball contact.
Impegno exhibits notable flexibility that enhances ball embrace and spin generation. This flex characteristic supports a soft touch for delicate play while allowing the CNF layers to activate during powerful strokes. The balanced flex profile makes it versatile for both technical touch shots and aggressive offensive plays.
Strategic CNF integration significantly reduces unwanted vibration, resulting in clean feedback and comfortable play. The thinner inner fiber layers specifically target vibration dampening while maintaining feel, creating a blade that's easy on the arm during extended sessions while providing clear ball contact information.
Darker Impegno showcases exceptional Japanese craftsmanship with flawless finish and beautiful wood selection. The attention to detail in construction and material quality reflects Darker's reputation for premium blades. Players consistently note the excellent workmanship and consistent performance that characterizes this high-quality offering.
Technology
Darker Impegno's core innovation lies in its Auro Veil LS Cellulose Nanofiber integration, a super material derived from specially processed wood that's five times stronger than iron yet significantly lighter. The unique 5-wood + 4-fiber construction features differentiated CNF layers: thicker outer layers (0.16mm) enhance drive and offensive power, while thinner inner layers (0.03mm) reduce vibration for improved feel. This tailored application creates exceptional balance between momentum and softness, delivering both good feeling and offensive capability in a single blade design that stands apart from traditional composite constructions.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Impegno positions itself between traditional wood blades and ALC composites like Viscaria, offering a more linear response that requires player-generated power rather than blade amplification. While both provide excellent speed and control, Impegno's CNF construction delivers a softer touch and different feedback compared to Viscaria's characteristic ALC kick, appealing to players who prefer more direct control over their power output.
Darker 7P-2A
As an evolution within Darker's lineup, Impegno builds upon the foundation of their 7-ply all-wood blades by adding CNF technology for enhanced feedback and modern playing characteristics. Players familiar with Darker's traditional feel will appreciate the maintained refinement while gaining the benefits of hybrid construction, creating a blade that bridges classic craftsmanship with contemporary performance demands.