Weight
81.5g
Thickness
9mm
Plies
1-ply
Head Size
248.5x136.5
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Head-Heavy
Speed 25 AL
Darker's Speed 25 AL stands out as a beautifully crafted 1-ply Japanese Penholder blade made from premium Hinoki cypress wood. What really sets this blade apart is its remarkable feel and delicate touch, striking that perfect balance between power and control that penhold players love. While it uses slightly lower-grade Hinoki compared to the top-tier Speed 25, the 25 AL still delivers an exceptional playing experience with that signature 'soft creamy butter' sensation on contact. At 9.0mm thick, it generates impressive power while maintaining excellent control, especially for those nuanced short game exchanges. This blade really shines for players who value touch, spin generation, and precision over pure brute force.
Darker keeps it traditional with single-ply construction using high-quality Hinoki wood throughout. This design philosophy prioritizes the natural feel and playing characteristics that make Japanese Penholder blades so distinctive.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Our analysis indicates this blade delivers solid offensive speed while maintaining good control. Being 1-ply Hinoki, it naturally provides quick response times, and many players find it offers that perfect balance between drive capability and manageable speed. The 9.0mm thickness contributes to its power output while keeping it controllable for various playing styles.
The Speed 25 AL really excels in the control department. That single-ply Hinoki construction gives it a delicate touch that makes precise shot-making feel natural. Our testing shows players appreciate how it handles the short game with finesse while still providing enough stability for confident attacking shots. The blade's balanced nature makes it reliable across all phases of play.
What really stands out is the blade's exceptional soft touch - it has that distinctive 'soft creamy butter' sensation on impact that makes every shot feel connected and controlled. The feedback through your hand is immediate and informative.
The elastic nature and good dwell time create a medium to high throw angle that makes looping and spin-oriented play feel natural and effective. The blade really helps you get the ball up and over the net with good arc and spin.
That single-ply Hinoki construction creates excellent dwell time that really helps with spin generation and precise shot-making. The wood's natural elasticity keeps the ball on the racket face just long enough to impart your intended spin and direction.
The blade offers a medium stiffness that provides good stability while maintaining enough flexibility for that characteristic Hinoki elastic effect. It's stiff enough for powerful shots but flexible enough to help with ball pocketing and spin generation.
You get significant vibration feedback with this blade, which many players love because it lets you truly feel the ball on impact. This high level of tactile information helps with shot adjustment and gives you that connected feeling to your strokes.
Darker has built its reputation on premium Hinoki blades, and the Speed 25 AL continues that tradition. It uses high-quality Japanese Hinoki cypress wood, and while it's the second-tier option in the Speed 25 series, the craftsmanship and material selection remain excellent. Players consistently note the blade's solid construction and refined finish.
Technology
Darker builds the Speed 25 AL using traditional single-ply construction with premium Japanese Hinoki cypress wood, a material prized for its unique playing characteristics. This minimalist approach lets the natural properties of the Hinoki shine through, creating that signature elastic effect and exceptional soft touch. The AL variant uses carefully selected Hinoki that, while being the second-best quality in the Speed 25 series, still maintains excellent grain structure and responsiveness. This traditional Japanese craftsmanship maximizes the wood's inherent ability to generate spin, provide outstanding control, and deliver clear feedback that helps players feel every shot. The blade carries Japan Table Tennis Association (JTTA) approval.
Similar Blades
Darker Speed 25
The Darker Speed 25 serves as the premium version in this series, also featuring 1-ply Hinoki construction but using the finest parts of the Hinoki cypress with the most beautiful grain patterns. It delivers a similar playing experience with potentially enhanced quality and feel for players wanting the absolute best.
Butterfly Senkoh-1
Many players find the Butterfly Senkoh-1 offers comparable performance and tactile experience for Japanese Penhold styles. Our testing shows similar feel and quality characteristics that make it worth considering alongside the Speed 25 AL.