Weight
92g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Crest AR+
Donic Crest AR+ is a premium 9-ply table tennis blade engineered in Germany, offering a unique blend of speed and control for offensive players. It remains relatively lightweight for excellent maneuverability. The blade features an outer Limba veneer, a Kiri core, and specialized Carbon ZF and carbon fleece layers strategically placed between the core and inner Limba plies. This configuration creates a large sweet spot, enhanced stability, and a lively feel. Celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, it provides a solid foundation for powerful shots while retaining excellent feedback and precision for intricate plays, making it a top-tier choice for serious competitors.
This 9-ply construction features outer Limba veneers for a soft feel and good spin, followed by Carbon ZF and carbon fleece layers close to the core, which provide stiffness, speed, and a larger sweet spot. The Kiri core contributes to the blade's lightness and responsiveness. This inner-fiber placement differs from some other blades where carbon is nearer the outer plies.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Crest AR+ is rated as a fast blade, often exceeding expectations for its 'AR+' designation. Players report its speed in the OFF- to OFF range, offering enough power for aggressive attacks and fast rallies from mid-distance. The carbon layers contribute significantly to its speed potential.
Despite its offensive speed, Crest AR+ excels in control. The 9-ply construction, particularly the Limba outer plies and the inner fiber placement, provides a large sweet spot and good feedback, allowing for precise shot placement and effective blocking, even against heavy topspin.
The feel is described as relatively woody despite the carbon layers, offering good feedback. It's noted as being quite stiff, which contributes to its directness and responsiveness, but may not suit players who prefer a very soft or flexible blade.
The throw angle is described as medium and consistent, providing reliable performance for various strokes, including topspins.
The combination of Limba outer plies and inner carbon layers suggests a good dwell time, allowing for spin generation on serves and topspins. The relative stiffness also aids in a direct transfer of energy to the ball during strokes.
The blade is described as stiff, contributing to its control in the short game and blocking. This stiffness allows for a direct ball response and aids in powerful, flat hits.
The blade has very low vibration, contributing to a clean and direct feel upon impact.
The blade is consistently praised for its superior build quality and craftsmanship, often attributed to its German manufacturing. Materials are exceptional, sanding is precise, and the overall finish is aesthetically pleasing, rivaling high-end blades from other renowned brands.
Technology
Donic Crest AR+ blade is a testament to German engineering, featuring a sophisticated 9-ply construction designed for optimal performance. The core consists of Kiri wood, providing lightness and responsiveness. This is layered with two sets of Limba wood veneers, known for their touch and spin-friendly properties. Sandwiched between these wood layers are specialized Carbon ZF and carbon fleece plies. This inner-fiber placement, rather than being on the outermost layers, is key to the blade's character, contributing to stability, a broad sweet spot, and a blend of speed and controlled flex. The blade's precise manufacturing ensures consistency and high quality.
Similar Blades
Donic Crest OFF
Donic Crest OFF is a sibling blade to the AR+, offering a slightly faster but less balanced feel. Both blades share similar construction principles, including the 9-ply composition and internal carbon layers, providing comparable build quality and feel, making the OFF a natural progression for those seeking more speed.
Butterfly Innerforce Layer ALC
This blade is mentioned as a comparable alternative, particularly for players considering a switch from the Innerforce Layer ALC. Crest AR+ is described as stiffer and potentially slower, with a lower throw angle, but offers a distinct woody feel and excellent control suitable for a similar player profile.