Weight
87g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
166x156
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Liberta Willow
Darker Liberta Willow delivers exceptional control and ball feeling for defensive specialists seeking consistency in modern play. Its 5-ply wood and 2-ply Izanas fiber construction creates a remarkably soft feel with excellent shock absorption, allowing for extended ball contact and precise placement. While classified as DEF+, this blade provides enough gears for controlled chops and effective counter-attacking transitions. The oversized head enhances sweet spot coverage while willow wood delivers plush impact sensation perfect for spin-heavy defensive strategies.
The 7-ply construction features willow wood outer and inner plies for soft feel and shock absorption, with a kiri wood core providing stability. Two Izanas fiber layers positioned near the core create a unique balance of absorption and repulsion that enhances dwell time and control while maintaining responsiveness.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Liberta Willow operates in the upper defensive to all-round speed range, providing enough pace for modern defensive strategies that incorporate offensive strokes. The Izanas fiber creates noticeable rebound after ball engagement while maintaining controlled acceleration. This balanced speed profile allows defenders to execute effective chops while having sufficient power for counter-looping when opportunities arise.
Control represents the blade's greatest strength, delivering unmatched precision and consistency in defensive play. The soft willow wood combined with Izanas fiber creates exceptional ball-holding characteristics that allow for exact shot placement. Players can confidently execute intricate touch shots and maintain consistency even during extended rallies, making it ideal for defensive specialists who rely on precision.
Liberta Willow delivers a distinctly soft feel characterized by plush impact sensation and gentle ball reception. The generous willow wood construction creates excellent shock absorption that allows players to clearly sense ball contact and dwell time. This soft characteristic enhances feedback for precise shot execution and spin generation.
Medium-high throw angle creates optimal trajectory for spin-heavy shots and defensive play. The excellent ball-holding capability allows players to generate higher arc shots that easily clear the net while imparting heavy topspin or backspin. This throw characteristic supports both defensive consistency and offensive transition opportunities.
The blade provides extended ball contact that maximizes spin generation and control. The combination of soft willow plies and Izanas fiber creates excellent ball-holding capability, allowing players to firmly grip and rotate the ball. This extended dwell time proves particularly effective for heavy spin shots and precise placement in defensive situations.
Significant flexibility allows the blade to bend slightly upon impact, enhancing dwell time and spin generation. This flexible nature works in harmony with the soft feel to create excellent ball pocketing for defensive strokes. The bending action helps absorb pace while maintaining control during chops and blocks.
Medium-high vibration levels provide valuable tactile feedback without being excessive. The blade transmits clear impact sensations that help players judge ball trajectory and contact quality. This vibration characteristic contributes to the unmatched feeling of control rather than creating distraction during play.
Darker maintains its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship with the Liberta Willow, featuring excellent construction and attention to detail. The blade exhibits solid build quality with refined finishing touches that reflect Japanese manufacturing standards. While not reaching premium tier, it delivers reliable performance and durability that satisfies most serious defensive players.
Technology
Darker incorporates Izanas fiber technology that excels in shock absorption and ball-holding capabilities. This specialized composite material works synergistically with willow wood to create a blade that catches the ball softly while providing sufficient repulsion for offensive transitions. The strategic placement of Izanas as inner layers enhances dwell time and control without sacrificing responsiveness. This technology supports modern defensive styles requiring high spin variations and precise ball placement.
Similar Blades
Discontinued Willow Butterfly Defense Blade
Players familiar with Chen Weixing's former setup will find similar characteristics in the Liberta Willow, particularly the soft willow wood feel and defensive control. Both blades share the core defensive philosophy of using willow for exceptional ball feeling and chop consistency, making the transition between them natural for defensive specialists.
Yasaka Sweeper / TSP Yanagi
These blades share the fundamental characteristic of willow outer plies that deliver soft, controlled feel perfect for defensive play. Players moving between these options will experience similar ball-holding capabilities and shock absorption that define the willow wood defensive blade category.