Bloodwood 5

Bloodwood 5 delivers impressive speed, particularly for offensive play. Its stiff Bloodwood outer plies provide a solid, direct hitting surface that translates to powerful strokes and fast counter-attacks. Our testing shows it performs as a quick Allround blade, capable of generating significant pace when you commit to your shots. While inherently fast, its speed feels controlled and integrated, allowing for aggressive play without becoming unpredictable or overly demanding.

This blade offers strong, reliable control that balances its offensive capabilities. Players report good maneuverability for precise placement shots, steady blocking, and tactical defensive play. The combination of a stiff outer layer and vibration-dampening inner plies creates a predictable, consistent feel that inspires confidence during rallies. This level of control makes it an excellent platform for players who want to build an attacking game on a foundation of strategic precision and consistency.

The blade provides a medium-hard feel characterized by directness and stiffness from the Bloodwood outer plies. However, the specialized construction and softer inner layers effectively dampen harsh vibrations, resulting in a crisp, clean feedback. You get a solid, engaging connection with the ball, especially on close-to-table touches and blocks, without the unpleasant 'tinny' sensation sometimes found in stiff blades.

Bloodwood 5 produces a medium-low throw angle, complementing its direct feel. This trajectory is ideal for flat hits, powerful drives, and aggressive blocking close to the table. Players who prefer to keep the ball low and fast over the net, focusing on penetration rather than high-arc loops, will find this characteristic highly beneficial.

Dwell time is on the shorter side of medium, contributing to the blade's direct and fast-playing character. This characteristic makes it excellent for quick attacks, drives, and reactive blocks. Generating heavy spin on loops requires precise timing and good brushing technique, as the ball tends to leave the racket face quickly compared to more flexible or softer blades.

Flexibility is rated as a true medium. The hard outer plies provide foundational stiffness, but the overall construction allows a controlled degree of flex. This balance prevents the blade from feeling overly rigid or excessively whippy, aiding in spin generation and helping to absorb pace during fast exchanges, contributing to its well-rounded performance profile.

One of the blade's standout features is its remarkably low vibration. Despite the stiff outer plies, the careful ply combination and specialized gluing process absorb shock exceptionally well. Players report it has some of the lowest vibration levels among 5-ply wood blades, even lower than many carbon composites. This creates a very comfortable, solid feel that reduces fatigue and allows for consistent stroke execution.

Bloodwood 5 is recognized for its high-quality construction and materials. The fine wood plies, similar to those used in premium musical instruments, are assembled using a specialized gluing process required for the hard Bloodwood and Palisander layers. This technique ensures a solid, vibration-free bond. TTSensei experts note the finishing and overall feel are robust and premium, with an attractive wood grain that adds to its desirability as a well-crafted piece of equipment.