Weight
90g
Thickness
8mm
Plies
3-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Mai Gouban
Darker Mai Gouban stands out as a remarkable 3-ply Kiso Hinoki blade that delivers exceptional playability through its unique construction. The design features two thick outer plies paired with an even thicker inner core, where the core grain runs perpendicular to the outer layers. This innovative approach captures that sought-after single-ply Hinoki sensation while providing better stability at a more accessible price point. Crafted from premium Kiso Hinoki, the blade offers a wonderfully soft touch that lets the ball really settle on the surface, translating to outstanding control and impressive spin generation. It's an all-wood blade perfect for players who want that classic Hinoki combination: speed when you need it, precise control, and that distinctive feel for powerful loops and delicate short game touches.
The blade consists of three plies of Kiso Hinoki. The outer plies measure approximately 2mm each, while the very thick inner core ply is bonded with its grain running perpendicular to the outer layers—this is key to its unique playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Our testing shows this blade delivers impressive speed for offensive play, thanks to its 8mm thickness and all-Hinoki construction. Many players find it provides plenty of pace when needed while maintaining good control.
The Kiso Hinoki wood creates that signature embracing feeling that extends ball contact, resulting in excellent control and spin potential. Our analysis indicates players appreciate how it balances power with precision.
Players often describe the feel as remarkably soft and deep, closely mirroring the sensation of single-ply Hinoki blades. The ball seems to stick to the surface, giving you that classic Hinoki connection.
The soft feel and good dwell time of Hinoki wood generally produce a medium throw angle that works beautifully for looping with good arc. While comprehensive data is limited, our observations align with this characteristic.
Hinoki's natural properties create extended ball contact that enhances both control and spin potential. While some players note it's slightly less than pure single-ply blades, it still provides that characteristic dwell time Hinoki is known for.
The blade sits in the medium stiffness range—Hinoki offers that signature soft touch, but the thickness and construction provide enough stability for consistent performance. It has just the right amount of flex for most offensive styles.
Our testing reveals minimal vibration that provides good feedback without excessive buzz, allowing players to feel the ball clearly while maintaining comfort during play.
Darker maintains a reputation for using the finest Kiso Hinoki available, with craftsmanship that reflects traditional Japanese blade-making standards. The build quality consistently impresses in our evaluations.
Technology
Darker's Mai Gouban employs a distinctive 3-ply Kiso Hinoki construction where the thick inner core ply is bonded perpendicular to the fiber direction of the two outer plies. This specialized layering technique aims to recreate the deep, soft feel and power boost typically found in much thicker single-ply Hinoki blades, but within a thinner, more stable multi-ply format that's also more budget-friendly. The perpendicular grain orientation strengthens the blade's structure while preserving Kiso Hinoki's renowned catapult effect and ball-holding properties, making it perfectly suited for powerful, spin-focused offensive play.
Similar Blades
Darker Speed 90
The Mai Gouban often draws comparisons to the iconic 1-ply Darker Speed 90, aiming to capture that soft feel and powerful looping character. While the Speed 90 delivers more raw power and deeper sensation, the Mai Gouban makes these qualities more accessible.
Nittaku Telion
For players seeking similar Hinoki characteristics with a different approach, the Nittaku Telion offers a lighter, more flexible alternative that many find more budget-friendly while maintaining that distinctive Hinoki playing experience.