Weight
91g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Dipper Di-16
DHS Dipper Di-16 is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade designed for Chinese penhold players seeking a dynamic yet controlled game. It strikes an excellent balance between speed and control, making it a versatile choice for intermediate and advanced attackers who value consistency and feel. The blade supports powerful loops and precise placement, offering more punch than traditional all-wood options while remaining forgiving enough for developing techniques. Its construction provides a connected, responsive touch that players appreciate for both aggressive and tactical play.
This is a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. While the exact wood species are not specified, player discussions suggest secondary plies may be Meranti with a soft, light core. This composition contributes to its characteristic feel and balance of power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating of 7.4, the Dipper Di-16 sits firmly in the fast, offensive category. It provides ample pace for powerful loops and drives, though it requires active stroke engagement to unlock its full potential. Compared to carbon blades, it feels more manageable, offering a quick yet controlled response that suits players who blend power with precision.
Boasting a 7.7 control rating, this blade offers impressive command for an offensive tool. Its all-wood construction provides excellent feedback and dwell time, allowing for precise shot placement and consistent touch. Players can execute spin variations and short game techniques with confidence, making it a reliable partner in fast-paced rallies.
The Dipper Di-16 delivers a medium feel with a clear, connected touch. Some players note a subtle hollowness attributed to a soft, light core, which adds a unique character to the feedback. This sensation pairs particularly well with tacky rubbers, enhancing the sense of ball grab and control during strokes.
TTSensei analysis suggests a medium-high throw angle, which is excellent for generating heavy topspin and creating safe, arcing trajectories over the net. This characteristic provides a good margin for error against backspin and helps in building consistent, spin-heavy rallies.
As a 5-ply all-wood blade, it provides a medium dwell time that allows for effective ball brushing and spin generation. This extended contact window helps players impart heavy topspin on loops and maintain control during aggressive exchanges, making it a strong choice for spin-oriented attackers.
The blade offers a moderate level of flexibility, contributing to its balanced offensive character. This flex allows for a satisfying catapult effect on full strokes while maintaining enough stability for controlled blocks and drives, suiting a mixed technique of hitting and looping.
Players experience a medium level of vibration, especially on powerful shots and loops. This feedback is characteristic of wood blades and provides useful information for shot execution, helping players gauge the quality of their contact without being overly harsh or numb.
Build quality is considered solid for its class, with reports of good durability through multiple rubber changes. The 5-ply wood construction holds up well, showing minimal splintering or wear over time. While production details are scarce, the blade delivers reliable performance that meets expectations for players investing in a dedicated offensive wood blade.
Technology
The Dipper Di-16 embodies traditional blade craftsmanship through its 5-ply all-wood construction. This approach leverages the natural properties of selected timbers to create a harmonious balance of speed, control, and feel. The layering is engineered to provide a responsive yet forgiving platform, emphasizing dwell time and direct feedback to the player's hand. This design philosophy sets it apart from modern composite blades, focusing on a connected, tactile experience that allows players to feel the ball deeply and execute spin-based attacks with confidence.
Similar Blades
Stiga Offensive Classic
Often mentioned in the same breath, the Stiga Offensive Classic shares a very similar 5-ply all-wood construction and playing character. Both blades offer that classic blend of offensive speed and reassuring control, making them excellent for players developing an all-around attacking game. The Dipper Di-16 is frequently noted as a compelling, value-oriented alternative to this European classic.
DHS Hurricane Long 3
While built as a 7-ply composite, the Hurricane Long 3 appeals to a similar player profile seeking exceptional feel and control in an offensive framework. It offers a softer, more pronounced impact sensation and is famously paired with Chinese rubbers. Players who enjoy the Dipper's tactile feedback but seek a different construction path might find this blade an interesting comparison.