Weight
60g
Thickness
8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Excalibur
Der Materialspezialist Excalibur is a top-class offensive blade designed for dynamic, aggressive play. It masterfully blends high speed with excellent control, making it versatile for styles using long pips, anti-spin, or traditional inverted rubbers. Players experience a soft ball touch, a distinctive sound, and extreme spin reversal capabilities that maximize disruptive effects. Its extremely lightweight construction and high-quality German craftsmanship deliver a comfortable yet powerful experience, perfect for launching powerful topspins and drives to dominate the table.
The blade uses a 5-ply all-wood construction. It features Koto wood as the outer plies and Balsa wood as the core layer, with unspecified wood layers in between. This structure is designed to provide a soft touch and distinctive sound while maintaining the speed needed for offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Der Materialspezialist Excalibur is engineered for aggressive, fast-paced offensive play, with a manufacturer rating indicating exceptional speed. This allows for powerful topspin shots and rapid counter-attacks. Players report a strong, responsive pace that supports an attacking game, though the feel remains manageable due to the blade's unique construction.
Despite its high-speed design, the Excalibur maintains a very high level of control. This precision allows players to effectively manage fast shots and place the ball accurately, which is especially crucial when using disruptive rubbers like long pips or anti-spin. The soft touch contributes significantly to this feeling of command.
The blade delivers a notably soft ball touch and sound, creating a medium-soft feel on impact. This characteristic is highly beneficial for players using anti-spin or long pimple rubbers, as it enhances disruptive effects and provides superior control over the ball's trajectory and bounce.
The blade's offensive nature and emphasis on speed and spin facilitate a medium to medium-high throw angle. This characteristic supports aggressive attacking shots, effective spin generation, and is well-suited for players who like to loop and drive with authority.
The soft feel and emphasis on control suggest a moderate to long dwell time. This allows for effective spin generation and a comfortable, connected feeling during impact, which is ideal for players relying on spin reversal and precise blocking techniques.
As an offensive blade that also prioritizes control and feel, the Excalibur possesses a medium flexibility. This balance allows for efficient power transfer during aggressive topspin shots while retaining enough flex for good touch, blocking, and controlled strokes.
Given its lightweight construction and focus on a soft touch, the Excalibur provides a medium level of vibration. It offers clear, manageable feedback without being overly harsh, which complements its offensive capabilities and helps with touch play.
Crafted in Germany, the Excalibur showcases high-quality workmanship and a unique design focused on specialized play. The construction feels solid and precise, reflecting a dedicated approach to equipment for disruptive tactics. Overall feedback points to a reliable and well-made blade that performs consistently.
Technology
Der Materialspezialist Excalibur is crafted with a deliberate 5-ply all-wood construction, featuring Koto outer plies and a balsa core. This combination is engineered to create a blade that is both exceptionally lightweight and offers a unique sensory experience. The Koto contributes to the blade's speed and crisp responsiveness, while the balsa core provides a distinct softness, influencing the ball's touch and sound signature. This specific architecture aims to maximize the disruptive potential of rubbers, particularly long pimples and anti-spin, by enhancing spin reversal and creating an extra-low, unpredictable ball bounce. The focus is on high-quality workmanship and a design that serves as a specialized tool for aggressive, tactic-driven play.
Similar Blades
Der Materialspezialist Terror
The Der Materialspezialist Terror is another offensive blade from the same manufacturer, also highlighted for its effectiveness with disruptive rubbers like long pimples and anti-spin. It shares a similar design philosophy focused on aggressive play and maximizing unconventional tactical effects, making it a logical alternative for players who appreciate the Excalibur's niche role.