Weight
87.5g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
9-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Crest OFF
Donic Crest OFF delivers a premium offensive experience, blending impressive speed with remarkable control and a satisfying feel. Its 9-ply hybrid construction features Limba outer veneers, a Kiri core, and unique Carbon ZF and Carbon fleece layers. This design creates a large sweet spot and excellent stability while keeping the blade surprisingly light. Players enjoy a direct yet connected 'woody' touch, making it a top-tier choice for aggressive, spin-oriented attackers who demand precision and power from their equipment.
This symmetrical 9-ply construction uses Limba outer veneers and a Kiri core, reinforced internally with layers of Carbon ZF and Carbon fleece. This specific layering is designed to create a large sweet spot, enhance stability, and keep the blade light, all contributing to its fast yet controlled offensive character.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Crest OFF operates at the high end of the offensive speed spectrum. The internal carbon layers provide significant acceleration, enabling powerful drives and explosive attacks when you need them. It's a blade that rewards aggressive play with ample pace, making it a formidable weapon for players who like to dictate rallies with speed.
For such a fast blade, the level of control is exceptional. The balanced construction, with Limba outer plies and strategically placed carbon, provides clear feedback and allows for precise ball placement even during high-tempo rallies. Skilled offensive players will find it highly manageable, offering confidence for both powerful shots and delicate touches.
The feel is a unique blend of directness and connection. While the carbon layers create a solid, stiff foundation, the Limba outer plies introduce a touch of softness and excellent dwell, resulting in a satisfying 'woody' feedback that players love for spin generation and ball control.
Crest OFF produces a medium-high throw angle, creating a pronounced arc on shots. This is particularly beneficial for powerful topspin play, helping the ball clear the net with safety and dive onto the opponent's side of the table.
Players report very good dwell time, which is crucial for generating heavy spin. The combination of Limba outsides and the internal structure allows the ball to stay on the racket face longer, making it exceptionally easy to loop with significant spin and control.
This is a stiff blade. The multiple carbon layers and overall construction provide absolute rigidity, which contributes directly to its high speed and precise, linear response. It's not designed for flex, but offers a controlled stiffness perfect for powerful offensive strokes.
Vibration is minimal, offering a very direct and stiff feel upon impact. This characteristic stems from the robust 9-ply build and carbon layers, promoting energy transfer for speed and preventing unwanted feedback that can distract from shot execution.
Craftsmanship on the Crest OFF is outstanding. It showcases precise construction with a smooth finish, no sharp edges, and impeccable attention to detail. This high standard of German manufacturing ensures not only a premium feel but also contributes to the blade's durability and consistent performance over time.
Technology
Donic Crest OFF employs advanced composite technology in its unique 9-ply build. It integrates extremely thin Carbon ZF and Carbon fleece fibers between carefully selected wood veneers, including Limba outer plies and a Kiri core. This precise construction is engineered to maximize the sweet spot, enhance stability, and reduce overall weight. The goal is to achieve an optimal balance of speed, control, and a superior, connected feel, showcasing Donic's commitment to innovative blade design.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Jun Mizutani ZLC
Many players find the playing feel of the Crest OFF very reminiscent of the Butterfly Jun Mizutani ZLC. The comparison highlights shared characteristics in feedback, spin potential, and overall touch, making the Mizutani ZLC a strong alternative for those seeking a similar high-performance, carbon-reinforced experience.
Butterfly Boll ZLC
Similar to the Mizutani ZLC, the Boll ZLC is often mentioned in the same breath as the Crest OFF. Our testing shows the Crest OFF captures a blend of qualities found in both ZLC blades, offering a comparable directness, speed, and spin-friendly profile for players considering top-tier offensive options.