Weight
90g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
9-ply
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Di-GT 9 Dipper Blackwood
DHS Di-GT 9 Dipper Blackwood is a 9-ply all-wood blade designed for players who want a powerful yet controlled offensive game with a strong emphasis on spin. Its name comes from the distinctive blackwood outer plies, which give it a premium look. Despite having nine layers, the blade is engineered to feel as thin and flexible as a traditional 5-ply, offering surprising maneuverability and excellent ball-holding characteristics. This unique construction supports aggressive looping and attacking play with a comfortable feel, delivering performance that rivals higher-end options at a mid-range price point.
The blade features a symmetrical 9-ply construction with Blackwood as the outer plies. Seven identical layers of Ayous wood form the core. This combination aims to provide a stiff outer surface for power and spin, while the multiple Ayous plies contribute flexibility and a connected feel, mimicking the characteristics of a thinner blade.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Rated OFF+, DHS Di-GT 9 Dipper Blackwood delivers significant speed, particularly on powerful strokes. The firm hitting surface created by the blackwood outer plies and the 9-ply construction helps generate fast shots, making it highly effective for looping and attacking play where pace is a priority.
This blade excels in control, which is a central part of its design. The ability to retain flexibility within a 9-ply structure provides excellent ball feeling and manipulation, allowing for precise placement and confident, controlled attacking shots even during fast rallies.
The combination of blackwood outer plies and multiple Ayous layers creates a feel that has some underlying flex beneath a generally stiff surface. Players report a good balance between sensing the ball and having the solidity needed for powerful, spin-oriented offensive shots.
Designed for spin and looping, the blade produces a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates aggressive, high-arching topspin shots that can clear the net comfortably and dive onto the opponent's side, making them difficult to counter.
Engineered to feel as thin and flexible as a 5-ply blade, the Di-GT 9 provides a notably long ball dwell time. This extended contact is crucial for loading the ball with heavy spin, giving players more time to shape their loops and brush strokes.
Despite its 9-ply build, the blade maintains a good degree of flexibility, deliberately mimicking the feel of a thinner blade. This characteristic supports superior spin generation and adds a layer of control and touch to various strokes.
Feedback from the blade offers a medium level of vibration. The all-wood construction and moderate thickness provide a tactile response that isn't overly dampened or excessively harsh, giving a clear sense of contact without being jarring.
The use of blackwood for the outer plies points to a higher-quality construction and a distinct aesthetic. While specific manufacturing details are limited, its performance consistently punches above its mid-range positioning, indicating solid build quality and reliable craftsmanship.
Technology
DHS Di-GT 9 Dipper Blackwood utilizes a specialized 9-ply construction with striking blackwood outer plies and multiple core layers of Ayous wood. This design intentionally replicates the feel, thinness, and flexibility of a traditional 5-ply blade while harnessing the increased power and stability of a 9-ply structure. The blackwood surface enhances spin production and provides a distinct, premium feel. This innovative approach allows players to execute powerful offensive shots and intricate spin variations while maintaining excellent control and extended ball dwell time.
Similar Blades
DHS Hurricane Long 5
Within the DHS lineup, the Hurricane Long 5 is a popular offensive blade for aggressive all-round attackers. TTSensei experts note that the Di-GT 9 Dipper Blackwood offers a potentially more controlled and spin-oriented alternative. Some players specifically prefer the Di-GT 9 for its blend of power and superior control.