Weight
80g
Thickness
6.65mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
158x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Alligator Combi
Donic Alligator Combi is a unique 5-ply all-wood blade designed for players who want distinct characteristics on each side. Its soft Balsa core makes it remarkably light and stiff. The forehand uses harder, faster veneers for power on offensive strokes, while the backhand employs softer, slower veneers for exceptional control, perfect for defensive play and disruptive tactics. This combi design is ideal for combination players, those using anti-spin or long pips, and defenders who need consistency with attacking options.
The blade features a 5-ply all-wood construction with distinct materials for the forehand and backhand sides. The core is soft Balsa, providing lightness and stiffness. The forehand layers (Limba and Sapele) are harder and faster, enhancing offensive capabilities. The backhand layers (Abachi and Ash) are softer and slower, prioritizing control for defensive play and disruptive rubbers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The speed rating reflects the blade's combi nature. The forehand side is designed to be faster and more offensive, rated around 7-9, allowing for effective topspin and attacking shots. The backhand side is deliberately slower and more controlled, rated around 5-7, ideal for defensive play and blocking. Our testing shows the overall speed can be higher than expected for a blade with defensive classifications.
Control is a standout feature, especially on the backhand side, which is rated very highly at 9-10, providing excellent stability for defensive play and with disruptive rubbers. The forehand offers solid control around 7.5-8, sufficient for controlled attacks and blocks. Players report this makes it exceptionally reliable for tactical play.
The Balsa core contributes to a relatively light feel with moderate vibration. Users describe it as having good feedback and a sensitive touch. The different wood compositions on each side can lead to a slightly varied feel between the forehand and backhand, with the backhand feeling softer.
The combination of faster forehand veneers and the blade's overall construction suggests a medium throw angle, especially when paired with modern inverted rubbers on the forehand, offering a good balance between arc and directness.
The combination of softer backhand veneers and the Balsa core allows for a decent dwell time, especially on the backhand side, facilitating control-based shots and spin generation with appropriate rubbers.
The inclusion of Balsa wood and the specific veneer structure result in a blade that is described as relatively stiff, but with enough flex to provide good feel and control, particularly on the backhand for defensive maneuvers.
The blade is noted as having small vibrations, which is often attributed to the Balsa core. This contributes to a more controlled and dampened playing experience, providing clear feedback without being overly harsh.
The blade is generally considered to offer good quality for its price point, with many users satisfied with its construction and feel. However, TTSensei experts note isolated reports of durability issues, particularly concerning the balsa core's susceptibility to denting and potential handle weakness in some instances, which may affect long-term use for aggressive players.
Technology
Donic Alligator Combi's core technology lies in its specialized veneer construction, creating distinct playing characteristics on each side of the blade. This 'two-faced' design employs a soft Balsa core for lightness and relative stiffness. For the forehand, harder and faster veneers are used to enhance power and offensive capabilities, suitable for topspins and attacking shots. Conversely, the backhand side features softer and slower veneers to maximize control, making it ideal for defensive play, blocking, and working with disruptive rubbers like long pips or anti-spin. This intentional asymmetry allows players to seamlessly integrate both aggressive and defensive strategies.
Similar Blades
Yinhe T-9 Pro
Yinhe T-9 Pro is another combi blade known for its balance of speed, control, and feel on two distinct sides, similar to the Donic Alligator Combi. It is designed for players using different rubber types on each side, offering versatility and tactical depth. Many players find its 7-layer wood construction provides a relatively light and responsive playing experience.
Strange King III
Strange King III is also a true combi blade with differentiated forehand and backhand sides. Its forehand offers medium to fast speed for drives and loops, while the backhand provides slower, controlled play suitable for chopping or using long pips/anti-spin rubbers. This blade emphasizes tactical versatility and seamless switching between offensive and defensive strokes, much like the Alligator Combi.