Weight
85g
Thickness
6.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Original Exclusive Carbon
Donic Original Exclusive Carbon is an offensive table tennis blade engineered for players seeking a blend of speed, power, and control at an accessible price point. As the fastest in the Donic Exclusive series, its 7-ply construction with carbon fiber layers between Ayous outer veneers and a Kiri core delivers a dynamic playing feel. It provides excellent acceleration for powerful attacks while maintaining sufficient control for precise shots and serves. The relatively lightweight design ensures comfortable handling during extended play, making it a compelling choice for intermediate to advanced offensive players looking to transition to carbon technology without a significant investment. It offers high-quality performance characteristic of more expensive blades.
This 7-ply construction features an inner Kiri core for feel and control, flanked by two carbon layers for added stiffness and power. The outer Ayous veneers provide a stable hitting surface and contribute to ball control. This hybrid design aims to balance the speed of carbon with the more nuanced feel of wood.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Original Exclusive Carbon is widely regarded as the fastest blade in the Donic Exclusive series. The combination of carbon fiber layers and Ayous outer veneers delivers significant power and acceleration, making it ideal for offensive play, fast rallies, and powerful attacking strokes. Its speed allows players to dictate play and put opponents under pressure.
Despite its high speed, the blade offers a commendable level of control, attributed to the Kiri core and Ayous outer plies. This balance allows for controlled attacks, precise serves, and effective blocking. Players can execute a variety of shots without the ball consistently going long, provided they have a solid technique.
The blade has a somewhat stiff feel. The carbon layers contribute to a stiffer sensation compared to all-wood blades, providing direct feedback and a solid impact. This stiffness aids in power transfer but offers less vibration damping than softer blades.
The combination of carbon and wood layers typically results in a medium-high throw angle, especially when paired with modern rubbers. This facilitates aggressive looping and topspin shots with a good arc.
Dwell time is moderate. While the carbon layers can shorten dwell time by providing a stiffer, faster response, the wood veneers, particularly the Kiri core, offer some capacity for the ball to sink in, allowing for spin generation on serves and loops.
This blade is on the stiffer side of medium flexibility. The carbon reinforcement contributes significantly to its reduced flex, leading to a more direct power transfer and a crisp feel on impact. This stiffness is beneficial for powerful shots and fast counter-attacks.
Vibration levels are moderate. Players might feel noticeable vibrations, especially during powerful strokes, but they are generally manageable. The internal carbon layers and wood construction aim to manage vibration to a degree that aids in feedback without being overwhelming for offensive players.
Donic Original Exclusive Carbon is praised for its excellent price-performance ratio, offering a quality build that belies its affordable price. Players report its durability and consistent performance over time, making it a reliable choice for its class.
Technology
Donic Original Exclusive Carbon employs a 7-ply construction that integrates advanced materials for enhanced performance. At its core lies a light Kiri wood veneer, chosen for its excellent ball feel and control. Sandwiched between this core and the outer veneers are two layers of carbon fiber, which impart stiffness, power, and speed to the blade. The outer layers are constructed from Ayous wood, known for promoting high control and elasticity, ensuring a balanced playing experience. This specific layering is engineered to provide dynamic acceleration for offensive strokes while maintaining adequate control for passive shots, serves, and returns, offering a competitive edge at an accessible price point.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Dimitrij Ovtcharov
While the Ovtcharov blade line was popular and has been rebranded as the 'Original' line, suggesting continuity in design and materials from his previous 'Ovtcharov Exclusive Carbon' model, direct usage of the 'Original Exclusive Carbon' by Ovtcharov is not definitively confirmed.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Ma Lin Soft Carbon
Players report this as a potentially better option for beginners. It's likely a softer, possibly slower, and more controllable carbon blade compared to the Donic Original Exclusive Carbon, making it a suitable alternative for players who find the Exclusive Carbon too fast or stiff.
Donic True Carbon Inner
Some players mention wanting to switch to the Donic True Carbon Inner after using the Original Exclusive Carbon. This suggests the True Carbon Inner might offer different characteristics, possibly more dwell time or a different feel, appealing to players looking for an alternative within the Donic brand with different carbon placement.