Weight
85g
Thickness
6.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
155x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Destroyer
Der Materialspezialist Destroyer is a fast All+ blade engineered for players who thrive on an offensive, disruptive style. Its unique 7-ply hybrid construction, featuring five wood layers and two composite plies, creates a dual-characteristic feel. The blade excels at decelerating the ball during passive blocks and counter-hits while accelerating it powerfully during active loops and drives. This makes it a perfect partner for pimpled or anti-spin rubbers, enabling strong spin reversal and unpredictable play. It offers a forceful offensive game without sacrificing the excellent control needed for tactical precision.
The 7-ply construction consists of five wood layers and two composite layers. The composite plies are strategically placed to offer dual characteristics: they absorb speed during passive play like blocking and increase speed during active offensive strokes. This design facilitates a disruptive playing style, especially when combined with pimpled or anti-spin rubbers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Destroyer is classified as a fast All+ blade, offering sufficient pace for offensive loops and drives. Its primary strength lies in managing speed effectively; it provides good acceleration on active strokes while tempering pace during passive blocks and counter-hits. This controlled speed profile makes it ideal for disruptive play rather than relying on raw power, allowing players to dictate the rhythm of the point.
With an exceptional control rating, Destroyer provides a high degree of precision and predictability. This outstanding level of command is crucial for executing precise placements, blocking effectively, and managing the nuanced demands of a disruptive playing style. It gives players the confidence to use unconventional rubbers while maintaining excellent shot consistency and feel.
Destroyer offers a medium-hard feel. While the composite layers provide some dampening during passive play, the overall impression is one of firmness and direct ball feedback, especially during offensive actions. This feel supports precise shot-making and effective spin generation.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which aids in generating steep, attacking shots with good arc while also allowing for controlled, flatter placements when needed. This supports both looping and driving techniques.
The dwell time offers a good balance, allowing the ball to sink into the blade for spin generation while maintaining a quick enough release for offensive play. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for players using rubbers like anti-spin or long pimples that rely on manipulating spin.
Destroyer is a relatively stiff blade. This stiffness contributes to its direct speed during attacks and suits the disruptive play style where a firm, predictable contact is often preferred over a flexible, catapult effect.
Vibration is at a medium level. The composite layers likely reduce excessive vibration during passive strokes, aiding control, while still allowing for sufficient tactile feedback during active attacks to inform the player.
Destroyer is generally regarded as a well-built blade with good craftsmanship. Its German manufacturing is associated with high standards, and player feedback suggests consistent performance and durability. The materials and construction contribute to a reliable playing experience that holds up well over time.
Technology
Der Materialspezialist Destroyer features a specialized 7-ply construction integrating five wood layers with two composite material plies. This hybrid design is engineered for disruptive and offensive players. The composite layers are key, designed to absorb speed and dampen vibrations during passive play like blocking, enhancing control and spin reversal. Conversely, these same layers accelerate the ball during aggressive offensive strokes like powerful loops. This dynamic response lets players switch effectively between controlled tactics and forceful attacks. The absence of balsa wood contributes to its balanced weight and a distinct, firm feel.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Luka Mladenovic
Luka Mladenovic, a Luxembourg junior national team player, uses the Destroyer. He employs an aggressive combined style, utilizing an anti-spin rubber on his backhand for disruptive play and a smooth inverted rubber on his forehand for attacking shots. The blade's ability to offer control and spin reversal with anti-spin, while providing enough speed for offensive forehand attacks, makes it an ideal choice for his versatile and disruptive game.
Similar Blades
Donic Burn (off-)
Players report that the Donic Burn (off-) might offer a faster alternative for those accustomed to higher speeds, while still being within a controllable range. The Destroyer provides more specialized control for disruptive tactics, whereas the Burn leans toward a more direct offensive power.
Stiga Clipper Wood
The Stiga Clipper Wood is noted as a comparable alternative for players seeking a blade with more direct offensive power. While the Clipper offers a classic, powerful wood feel, the Destroyer provides enhanced control and is specifically engineered for disruptive play with unconventional rubbers.