Weight
80g
Thickness
5.4mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Appelgren Allplay Senso V1
Donic Appelgren Allplay Senso V1 is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade celebrated for its exceptional control and feel, designed for players who prioritize precision and spin. Developed with Swedish legend Mikael Appelgren, it delivers a balanced blend of speed and dwell time, making it versatile for defensive play and aggressive topspin. The integrated Senso V1 technology in the handle enhances feedback, creating a direct connection to the ball for nuanced shot-making. Its lightweight build ensures comfortable handling during extended sessions, solidifying its status as a reliable all-round performer.
This traditional 5-ply all-wood construction uses Limba for the outer and intermediate layers and Abachi for the core. The combination delivers a good balance of speed, control, and dwell time, with Limba providing a pleasant feel and the Abachi core contributing to lightness and controlled feedback for consistent performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Appelgren Allplay Senso V1 operates at a medium pace, perfectly suited for all-round play. It isn't built for extreme speed but provides ample acceleration reserves, especially when combined with modern rubbers, enabling dynamic topspin shots and quick reactions. The 'V1' designation hints at an emphasis on optimal speed within its line, offering a balanced output that supports both controlled rallies and offensive bursts without overwhelming the player.
Control is the standout feature of this blade, consistently praised for its precision and feel. Its design prioritizes accurate ball placement, making it exceptionally easy to execute all strokes with consistency. Players find it ideal for tactical play, precise placement, and reliable execution, whether during serves, returns, or extended rallies. This high level of controllability makes it a trusted choice for those who value strategic depth over raw power.
Players experience a soft to medium-soft feel with excellent ball feedback and sensitivity, thanks to the all-wood construction and Senso V1 technology. This creates a direct connection to the ball, allowing accurate perception of spin and placement. Some minor variability in feel may occur between individual blades, but the overall sensation is consistently described as pleasant and responsive.
The combination of flexibility, dwell time, and responsiveness suggests a medium to medium-high throw angle. This characteristic supports generating aggressive spin and executing powerful strokes, making it conducive to an offensive, spin-oriented game.
This blade provides good dwell time, which is crucial for generating spin and maintaining ball control. It allows players to impart significant rotation on shots and manage the ball effectively during serves, returns, and rallies, making it compatible with modern tensor rubbers for enhanced spin production.
Exhibiting medium flexibility, the blade is often described as 'control-elastic.' This pliability aids dwell time and spin generation, enabling a pronounced whipping action during strokes like loops and drives when combined with fast arm and wrist movement, adding dynamism to offensive play.
Senso V1 technology creates a distinctive vibration profile designed to enhance feedback. While some players find these vibrations noticeable and occasionally unpleasant, others appreciate the direct feel they provide for better ball contact awareness. It generally presents a medium level of vibration that contributes to the blade's sensitive character.
The blade earns strong marks for its solid construction and reliable build quality, reflecting its Swedish manufacturing heritage. Players report a consistent feel and excellent finish, contributing to its durability and dependable performance over time. Materials and assembly are noted for their excellence, ensuring the blade maintains its characteristics through rigorous play without significant degradation.
Technology
Donic Appelgren Allplay Senso V1 incorporates Senso technology, specifically the Senso V1 milling in the handle. This involves precisely calculated hollow spaces within the handle that are open at the end. Based on neurological insights into hand sensitivity, the design aims to transmit ball vibrations directly from the blade's surface to specific sensitive points in the hand. The V1 variant is engineered to provide optimal speed while maintaining excellent control, delivering a more direct playing feel and enhanced ball feedback compared to traditional constructions, enriching the player's tactile connection to each shot.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Mikael Appelgren
Mikael Appelgren, a legendary Swedish player and multiple European and World Champion, is intrinsically linked to this blade series. He used an Appelgren Allplay designed with Senso principles throughout his career, prioritizing ball control above all else. The blade's sensitivity, excellent control, and feel perfectly matched his playing style, which emphasized precise placement and spin-oriented attacks, allowing him to execute his signature aggressive yet controlled game.
Similar Blades
Stiga Allround Classic
Appelgren Allplay is often compared to the Stiga Allround Classic, with many considering it a slightly faster and more modern iteration. Both are 5-ply all-wood blades celebrated for excellent control, feel, and all-round suitability. Players seeking a similar control profile with perhaps a bit more dwell or spin capability might view Appelgren Allplay Senso V1 as a compelling upgrade or alternative.
Butterfly Primorac OFF-
For players wanting a step up in speed and stability from the Appelgren Allplay Senso V1, Butterfly Primorac OFF- is a frequent recommendation. While maintaining good control and feel, it offers increased offensive capability, making it suitable for those transitioning to a more attacking style without sacrificing too much touch.