Weight
88g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
155x150
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Kevplay
Donic Kevplay is a hybrid blade that masterfully balances speed and control, making it a top choice for offensive players. Its construction pairs Limba outer plies with Kevlar layers, delivering a unique blend of stiffness for powerful shots and noticeable dwell time for spin generation. This combination excels at aggressive topspins and smashes while maintaining excellent control for short game play and blocking. A versatile option, it adds significant power and spin to your game without sacrificing the precision needed for controlled rallies.
The construction features Limba outer plies for a good blend of stiffness and feel, sandwiching two Kevlar plies. This hybrid design enhances speed and power while maintaining a degree of flexibility and dwell time, differentiating it from standard all-wood blades.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kevplay delivers good speed, attributed to its Kevlar layers and Limba outer plies. It offers significant speed reserves for smashes and fast topspins, making it a solid offensive blade. While not as fast as some outer-carbon blades, it provides a satisfying and effective level of speed for aggressive play.
Despite its offensive speed, Kevplay offers a commendable level of control. Players frequently praise its ability to maintain control in the short game, during blocking, and for precise placement. This balance is a key strength, allowing for consistent and reliable play across different situations.
The feel is described as linear with little catapult, offering a direct connection to the ball. The combination of Limba and Kevlar results in a moderately stiff feel that provides clear and good feedback on shots.
The blade's construction and stiffness contribute to a medium-high throw angle, making it particularly suitable for generating deep and penetrating topspin shots.
Our testing shows a good amount of dwell time, which contributes significantly to the blade's spin-generating capabilities and control, especially on softer strokes and looping techniques.
The inclusion of Kevlar and Limba outer plies lends a degree of stiffness to the blade, making it less flexible than pure all-wood blades but providing a solid and stable base for powerful shots.
The blade exhibits moderate vibration that transmits good ball feedback without being jarring, aligning with its linear play characteristics and providing a connected feel.
Kevplay is noted for its durability, with some players reporting using blades that are over 28 years old and still in good playing condition. This suggests a high-quality build that withstands the test of time and rigorous play.
Technology
Donic Kevplay is constructed using a hybrid approach, integrating two Kevlar plies within its 5-ply wood structure. This combination is designed to enhance the blade's speed and power by providing stiffness, while the Limba outer plies contribute to a good feel and dwell time. This technology allows players to execute powerful topspins and smashes with increased penetration, while still retaining control for defensive plays and short game finesse.
Similar Blades
Donic Defplay Classic V3
While primarily a defensive blade, the Donic Defplay Classic V3 shares similarities as a Donic blade with a hybrid construction featuring fiberglass layers. Both aim to provide a balance of control and offensive capabilities, although the Kevplay leans more towards offense due to its Kevlar reinforcement.
Donic Waldner Allplay
The Donic Waldner Allplay is an all-wood, 5-ply blade known for its excellent control and feel. While the Kevplay offers more speed due to its composite construction, the Waldner Allplay provides a benchmark for control and is often recommended for players developing their game, offering a contrast to the Kevplay's more aggressive profile.