Weight
83g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Head-Heavy
Baum Esprit
Donic Baum Esprit is an offensive table tennis blade built for players who value spin and control alongside dynamic attacking power. Its seven-ply hybrid construction combines Koto, Ayous, and Kiri wood with Aramid-Carbon fiber layers, creating a precise and responsive feel. This design excels in counter-top spinning and touch play, offering a well-balanced blend of speed and control that suits a variety of offensive strategies, from aggressive loops to controlled placements.
This symmetrical 7-ply construction features outer Koto and inner Ayous wood plies sandwiching Aramid-Carbon composite layers around a Kiri core. The hybrid design aims to balance speed, control, and feel, with the composite layers contributing to a larger sweet spot and enhanced spin, while the wood plies provide a more natural connection and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Baum Esprit delivers solid offensive speed, consistently rated as a fast blade suitable for dynamic play. It provides enough pace for spin-driven attacks and forceful counter-top spins without feeling uncontrollably quick. This balanced speed allows players to maintain aggression while keeping shots precise, making it effective for all-around offensive strategies rather than pure power hitting.
Control is a standout strength of this blade. Players report excellent command in various situations, from counter-top spinning to delicate touch play. The hybrid construction and softer feel contribute to increased dwell time, allowing for precise ball placement and consistent shot execution. This high level of control makes it reliable during fast exchanges and technical rallies.
Baum Esprit offers a medium feel that leans toward the softer side for a carbon blade, providing good ball feedback and connection. This characteristic enhances dwell time and creates a more natural, controlled sensation compared to stiffer composite blades, which benefits spin-oriented play.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, creating a good arc on topspin shots. This trajectory is excellent for looping from mid-distance and generating consistent, spin-heavy attacks that clear the net comfortably.
The combination of wood plies and aramid-carbon fibers promotes good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the racket face. This extended contact is ideal for generating heavy spin and executing controlled loops, giving players more time to shape their shots effectively.
The blade feels relatively stiff, which is typical for an offensive composite design. This stiffness provides a direct, solid response for powerful shots, though some players note it can flex slightly at maximum effort, which may affect control for certain styles.
Vibration levels are moderate, providing enough tactile feedback to feel ball contact without being harsh or overwhelming. This balanced response helps players develop better technique while maintaining a comfortable playing experience.
Build quality receives mixed feedback. While the blade performs well, some users note an average finish with veneers that may show imperfections and wood prone to damage. However, considering its accessible price point, most find the quality acceptable and a fair trade-off for the performance delivered, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives.
Technology
Donic Baum Esprit uses a 7-ply construction that strategically layers artificial Aramid-Carbon fiber between high-quality wood veneers. This technology enhances offensive power by ensuring precise ball return and expanding the sweet spot, while maintaining notable control. The Aramid-Carbon composite delivers a distinct feel and feedback at impact, differentiating it from traditional carbon blades. Specific wood plies include Koto outer layers, Ayous inner layers, and a Kiri core, working together to create a balanced, spin-friendly playing character.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Patrick Baum
Patrick Baum, a former European finalist, is directly associated with this blade, which bears his name. His dynamic, offensive style—heavy on spin and counter-top spinning—aligns perfectly with the blade's characteristics. Baum Esprit provides the speed, control, and spin-friendliness required for precise execution of attacking shots, making it a weapon tailored to his game.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria / Timo Boll ALC / Timo Boll Spirit
Many players consider Baum Esprit a compelling alternative to popular Butterfly ALC blades like the Viscaria, Timo Boll ALC, and Timo Boll Spirit. It offers comparable speed, control, and feel, often at a more accessible price point. Some note the Esprit has a slightly softer, more distinct feel due to its Aramid-Carbon composition compared to Butterfly's Arylate-Carbon, but it delivers a similar balanced offensive experience.
Xiom Stradivarius
Xiom Stradivarius shares similarities with Baum Esprit as another offensive, composite-cored blade that blends speed and control. Some players find the Stradivarius to be a slightly stiffer option, offering a more direct feeling. Both are excellent choices for players seeking powerful yet manageable setups that support spin-oriented attacking play.