Weight
89g
Thickness
6.15mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
J.O. Waldner Gold Edition
Donic J.O. Waldner Gold Edition is a premium 7-ply offensive blade commemorating the 30th anniversary of Jan-Ove Waldner's Olympic victory. Its hybrid construction of five wood layers and two inner Etalyra Carbon layers delivers a superb blend of power, control, and exceptional feel. The outer Limba plies provide a sensitive touch, while the inner carbon enhances speed for a direct, crisp response. Designed for modern attackers, it offers a dynamic playing experience with a distinctive handle featuring Swedish national colors, connecting high performance to table tennis heritage.
This 7-ply construction features five wood layers and two inner Etalyra Carbon layers in a symmetrical arrangement. The outer Limba plies provide sensitive touch for control, while the inner carbon layers enhance speed and catapult effect, creating a balanced blend of wood's feel and carbon's power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
J.O. Waldner Gold Edition is recognized as a fast offensive blade. Its 5+2 construction with inner carbon layers provides significant speed potential for powerful smashes and fast topspins. Players report it plays faster than several other high-performance blades while maintaining good control, making it a potent tool for aggressive attacking play.
Despite its speed, this blade is praised for excellent control. It offers precise ball placement and is very effective for blocking, attributed to its balanced construction that delivers a more direct feel. Many players find it provides a secure, controlled response even during fast exchanges, making it versatile for all-around offensive play.
The blade offers a direct and crisp feel, described as having fantastic sensitivity for offensive play. It provides a more sensitive touch than some carbon blades while maintaining a solid response for powerful shots, creating an engaging connection between player and ball.
With a medium-high throw angle, the blade excels at generating high spin and effective arc on topspin shots. This characteristic helps players execute powerful offensive strokes with good clearance over the net while maintaining control and placement accuracy.
The blade's ability to generate high spin and offer good control in the short game implies sufficient dwell time to impart spin effectively. This allows for aggressive looping and controlled placements, supporting both power and precision in offensive rallies.
The blade is characterized as stiff, which contributes directly to its offensive capabilities and power. This stiffness allows for efficient energy transfer during powerful strokes, supporting an aggressive playing style that demands immediate response and maximum power output.
Our testing shows a responsive feel without excessive vibration. The blade provides controlled feedback that aids in feel without being overly jarring, offering a safer and more controlled sensation compared to some faster alternatives while maintaining good speed.
The build quality of the J.O. Waldner Gold Edition is consistently rated as excellent. TTSensei experts note the top-notch craftsmanship, with precise construction and high-quality materials throughout. The blade's aesthetic appeal and professional finish reflect its premium status, making it a standout choice for players seeking exceptional equipment.
Technology
Donic J.O. Waldner Gold Edition utilizes an inner composite construction featuring five wood layers and two inner Etalyra Carbon layers. This design provides a unique balance of power and sensitivity, with outer Limba plies contributing to a sensitive touch while the embedded carbon layers enhance speed and offer a more direct response than outer carbon blades. The high-quality material processing ensures premium feel and exceptional performance for modern attacking players seeking both power and precise feedback.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jan-Ove Waldner
While Jan-Ove Waldner is no longer an active professional competitor, this blade is a tribute to his 30th anniversary of Olympic victory. He is known to still play occasionally with equipment reflecting his legendary style. The blade's characteristics are designed to emulate his playing approach, emphasizing control, touch, and offensive capability that made him a table tennis icon.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
J.O. Waldner Gold Edition shares notable similarities with the Butterfly Viscaria. Players transitioning between these blades report positive experiences, noting comparable feel and performance characteristics. Our testing shows it occupies a similar category, offering that sought-after blend of speed, control, and responsive feel that suits offensive play styles.
Stiga CyberShape
This blade is also mentioned as comparable to the Stiga CyberShape in performance characteristics. TTSensei experts note it embodies attributes from both popular blades, offering a modern playing experience with elements appreciated by players who enjoy the distinct qualities of each model in a single, versatile package.