Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Navigator WRC
Dawei Navigator WRC is a 5-ply all-wood blade designed for offensive players seeking a harmonious blend of power and touch. Originally conceptualized in Japan and refined by Dawei, it incorporates IB TECH to enhance performance. The blade delivers significant speed for loops, drives, and smashes while maintaining a soft, controlled feel for precise placement and spin generation. It represents a strong value proposition, offering high-level characteristics often found in more expensive equipment.
The blade is constructed from five plies of wood. While the specific wood types are not detailed in available information, the all-wood build is central to its playing characteristics. The plies are assembled with Dawei's IB TECH to optimize their interaction.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Navigator WRC delivers very good offensive speed, particularly effective for looping and driving. While Dawei's official rating suggests an extreme OFF++ level, players report its actual character is more aligned with a standard OFF blade. It provides ample power for aggressive shots but retains a degree of manageability that prevents it from feeling uncontrollably fast, making it suitable for a wide range of attacking styles.
Control is a standout feature, thanks to the blade's soft feel and forgiving nature. The dwell time allows for confident ball placement on loops, blocks, and short game touches. This high level of control makes it easier to execute precise shots and maintain consistency during rallies, even when playing at a fast pace.
The playing sensation is distinctly soft and communicative. You get a clear, dampened feedback from the ball, which enhances touch and allows for fine control over spin and placement. This feel is a key reason for the blade's high controllability.
The soft feel and focus on spin production typically result in a medium-high throw angle. This helps in lifting backspin and creating deep, arcing loops that dip onto the table.
The soft, all-wood construction naturally promotes a medium-to-long dwell time. This extended contact is perfect for brushing the ball and generating heavy spin, especially on opening loops and counter-topspin rallies.
It exhibits a medium level of flexibility. This contributes to its dwell time and catapult effect, aiding in spin generation and providing a slight boost to power on fuller strokes, while still maintaining a stable feel for blocking.
The blade provides a moderate level of vibration, offering clear feedback on impact without being overly harsh or numb. This level of sensation helps players feel their shots but may be noticeable to those who prefer a completely solid feel.
Players consistently praise the Navigator WRC for offering exceptional value. The build quality and performance punch well above its price point, rivaling characteristics of more premium blades. It's regarded as a reliable and well-made piece of equipment that delivers on its promises of speed, control, and feel.
Technology
Dawei incorporates its IB TECH (Improved Balance Technology) into the Navigator WRC's wood construction. This technology is designed to refine the blade's internal structure, enhancing the synergy between the plies to improve speed, balance, and control simultaneously. The goal is to maximize the performance potential of the natural wood materials, providing better touch and a more consistent response across all areas of the blade face.
Similar Blades
Andro Kinetic Supreme OFF
This blade is mentioned as offering a similar balance of speed and control, but at a significantly higher price point. It serves as a premium performance benchmark that the Navigator WRC approaches in key areas, highlighting the Dawei blade's value proposition.
Dawei Saviga WRC
While sharing the 'WRC' designation, the Saviga is a fundamentally different blade that incorporates arylate-carbon layers. This makes it faster and stiffer with a distinct composite feel, catering to players seeking more direct power and a harder impact sensation compared to the all-wood, softer Navigator WRC.