Weight
83g
Thickness
5.65mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
159x147
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
J.O. Waldner Limited JO Shape
Donic J.O. Waldner Limited JO Shape is a tribute blade celebrating the legendary Jan-Ove Waldner and his iconic 'drop' shape design. This 5-ply all-wood blade offers a superb balance of speed and control, delivering a softer, more nuanced feel than many modern offensive blades. Its unique, longer and narrower head shape provides a distinct playing experience, particularly enhancing close-to-table techniques. Lightweight with excellent feedback, it suits a wide range of offensive and all-round styles, making it a compelling choice for intermediate to advanced players who value precision and spin generation.
This symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction uses Limba outer plies, Spruce middle plies, and an Ayous core. This specific layering is designed to produce a soft, flexible feel with good dwell time, which directly facilitates spin generation and enhances overall control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
While officially rated high, our testing and player feedback place its speed firmly in the OFF- to OFF category. It provides sufficient pace for dynamic mid-distance play but isn't a speed-focused blade. The speed is well-integrated with control, allowing for effective offensive shots and smashes without sacrificing touch.
This blade is highly praised for its exceptional control, especially in the short game and on serves. Its flexible nature and good dwell time enable precise placement and safe, consistent blocking. This high level of control makes it ideal for players whose game relies on clever placement and heavy spin rather than pure power.
The blade delivers a soft and flexible, distinctly all-wood feel. This provides excellent feedback and dwell time, which is highly beneficial for spin generation and creates a comfortable, connected playing experience, especially on touch shots.
The blade's flexible nature and good dwell time tend to produce a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for consistently clearing the net with topspin shots and for generating effective, spinny serves.
The combination of soft wood plies and moderate flexibility results in an above-average dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, giving players more time to impart significant spin, particularly on loops and controlled drives.
Notably flexible, this characteristic enhances dwell time and spin potential. The flexibility also contributes to a softer, more forgiving feel on blocks and makes it easier to control in delicate short-game exchanges.
The blade exhibits low vibration levels, contributing to its controlled, clean feel and making it comfortable for extended play sessions. This reduced feedback helps maintain a consistent and solid contact with the ball.
The blade is recognized for its excellent build quality and craftsmanship. Players report appreciating the materials used and the overall finish, contributing to its reputation as a well-made, reliable piece of equipment that feels premium in hand.
Technology
The Donic J.O. Waldner Limited JO Shape blade is a legacy piece celebrating Jan-Ove Waldner's career, featuring his signature 'JO Shape' design. This unique, longer and narrower head shape offers a distinct playing characteristic with a more vertical sweet spot. The construction relies on a carefully selected 5-ply all-wood setup using Limba, Spruce, and Ayous veneers to achieve a harmonious balance of speed, control, and exceptional feel. This design philosophy emphasizes dwell time and flexibility, catering to players who prioritize spin generation and precise placement. As a limited edition, it commemorates Waldner's retirement and honors his iconic contributions to the sport.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jan-Ove Waldner
Although this limited edition blade was released after his 2016 retirement, it is directly based on the 'JO Shape' and playing characteristics Waldner himself developed and favored. The blade's design, emphasizing control, feel, and spin, is a direct reflection of his legendary playing style, which was defined by exceptional placement, tactical brilliance, and masterful spin variations.
Similar Blades
Donic Waldner Offensive 2016 JO Shape
This blade is considered very similar, often viewed as the same core product in different packaging. It shares the iconic JO Shape and 5-ply all-wood construction, delivering comparable characteristics focused on control and feel suitable for offensive play.
Donic Waldner Dicon JO Shape
The Waldner Dicon JO Shape also features the iconic 'drop' shape and is made in Sweden. While also a 5-ply all-wood blade, players report the Dicon might be slightly faster and stiffer than the J.O. Waldner Limited, with potentially less vibration and a different weight balance. The Limited edition is often described as offering more control and a larger sweet spot.