Weight
87.5g
Thickness
6.25mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Appelgren Falcon
Donic Appelgren Falcon is a 7-ply blade crafted for players who prioritize exceptional control and a deep connection with the ball. It delivers a harmonious blend of speed and dwell time, making it a versatile choice for spin-oriented loops and precise placement. With a medium-hard feel and clear feedback, this blade suits intermediate to advanced players focused on strategic, nuanced play. Its balanced weight and comfortable handling have established it as a reliable, all-around performer for those who value feel over raw power.
The 7-ply construction features Limba outer veneers and internal foil layers, creating a blade that balances flexibility and stiffness to enhance speed and spin while maintaining good feel. The Ayous core provides a lighter sensation and contributes to the blade's overall balance and playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Appelgren Falcon offers a speed rating of approximately 7.5, providing sufficient power for offensive play without being overwhelming. It's well-suited for players who prefer to generate pace through spin and technique rather than relying on the blade's inherent velocity. This balanced approach makes it an excellent choice for all-around players and spin-oriented attackers looking for controllable power.
Appelgren Falcon excels in providing exceptional command over the ball. This high level of control comes from its responsive feel and balanced construction, allowing for precise shot placement, effective blocking, and consistent looping. You can trust this blade to execute delicate touches and maintain rally consistency—ideal for strategic, placement-focused play.
Appelgren Falcon delivers a medium-hard feel, providing clear communication with the ball without being overly stiff or numb. This sensation allows players to feel the ball's impact and make subtle adjustments during strokes, contributing significantly to its strong performance in control and spin generation.
The combination of flexibility and dwell time creates a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for generating powerful topspin shots with good arc and trajectory. This allows for aggressive looping that clears the net easily while still offering control for softer, more precise shots.
The blade's design promotes good dwell time, allowing players to keep the ball on the racket face longer. This extended contact is crucial for imparting significant spin on serves and loops, as well as for executing controlled defensive shots. The dwell time is a key contributor to the blade's spin-friendly characteristics.
Appelgren Falcon offers a good degree of flexibility, contributing to its excellent looping capabilities and softer feel. This flexibility allows the blade to bend slightly upon impact, engaging the rubber more effectively to generate greater spin and control. It provides a forgiving response across a variety of strokes.
Appelgren Falcon provides a moderate level of vibration, offering helpful feedback on ball impact without causing excessive hand shock. This balance allows players to feel contact clearly while maintaining a comfortable playing experience, especially during extended matches or training sessions.
Donic Appelgren Falcon is generally perceived as a blade of good quality, reflecting the brand's reputation for reliable equipment. While specific ratings for the Falcon model are limited, related Appelgren blades are noted for their excellent fit and finish, durable materials, and solid construction. Our assessment suggests comparable quality, with a focus on craftsmanship and longevity.
Technology
Donic Appelgren Falcon utilizes a 7-ply construction that blends traditional wood veneers with potential internal composite layers to achieve its performance profile. The use of Limba outer plies is a classic choice for providing good feel and spin potential. While specific Donic technologies like Dotec are associated with other models, the Falcon's construction focuses on achieving a balanced blend of speed, control, and tactile feedback through its layered material selection.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Mikael Appelgren
Mikael Appelgren, the legendary Swedish table tennis player, is the namesake of this blade series. The Appelgren line is designed to reflect his playing style, which emphasized excellent control, feel, spin, and strategic all-around play with precise placement. While specific documented usage of the 'Falcon' model by him is limited, the blades bearing his name aim to provide these core characteristics to players at various levels.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Sweden Extra
Yasaka Sweden Extra is a popular 5-ply all-wood blade known for its excellent control, feel, and versatility, sharing similar characteristics with the Donic Appelgren Falcon. Both blades are often recommended for players seeking a balanced game with an emphasis on spin and strategic play, making them solid alternatives for one another.
Butterfly Primorac
Butterfly Primorac is another classic all-wood blade that offers a comparable blend of control and feel. It's a reliable choice for developing and intermediate players who want consistent performance across all aspects of the game, much like the control-oriented and feel-focused nature of the Donic Appelgren Falcon.