Weight
90g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
159x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Ovtcharov No. 1
Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 combines high-quality materials with excellent craftsmanship to deliver an unparalleled playing experience for offensive and versatile players. This 7-layer blade features five wood veneers reinforced with two acrylic-carbon layers, creating a brilliant balance of speed and control. Its optimal weight distribution and approximately 90g weight make it comfortable to handle, offering great acceleration for dynamic attacking strokes while maintaining a relatively soft ball impact for spin-rich serves, returns, and secure blocks. The construction ensures it's a top-class playing device for those seeking a high-quality offensive weapon.
This 7-ply construction features outer Limba and inner Aos wood layers, sandwiching Acryl Carbon fiber layers around a Kiri core. This inner-carbon placement is designed to provide a controlled, softer feel while still offering significant speed and acceleration when hitting hard.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 is consistently described as a very fast blade, with ratings placing it in the high 8s to mid-9s. This speed comes from its hybrid construction, particularly the Acryl Carbon layers, which provide significant acceleration for aggressive attacking shots and powerful loops. Players find it delivers explosive power when you commit to your strokes.
Control ratings for Ovtcharov No. 1 show some variation, with expert reviews placing it in the upper 6s to low 7s, suggesting it's controllable for its speed but can lack precision for some players. However, many players report excellent control for spin generation and placement. This suggests control may depend on player technique and rubber combination—when dialed in, it offers surprising accuracy for such a fast blade.
Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 offers a relatively soft touch, particularly due to its Limba outer layer, allowing for good ball feedback and placement. However, some users also report a 'hollow' or 'glass-like' feel with noticeable vibration, which can affect the overall sensation of ball contact. The feel sits between medium-soft and medium depending on individual perception.
The combination of speed and dwell time on Ovtcharov No. 1 tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for executing powerful and arcing topspin shots from mid to far distance. The ball launches with a noticeable arc that helps clear the net with margin.
The inner Acryl Carbon construction contributes to good dwell time, allowing players to grip the ball effectively and generate significant spin. This extended dwell time, combined with the blade's speed, facilitates powerful and spin-rich topspin strokes that stay on the racket just long enough for maximum effect.
The blade has medium flexibility—not overly stiff, allowing for good feel and ball encapsulation, but with enough rigidity to support powerful strokes and maintain stability. It bends just enough to help with spin generation without becoming unpredictable during hard hits.
Several reviews mention that Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 exhibits noticeable vibration. While some players appreciate the feedback it provides, others find it bothersome and a potential indicator of less robust construction. The vibration level is moderate but present enough to be a defining characteristic of the blade's feel.
While the blade uses high-class Acryl Carbon plies and is generally well-constructed, some users have reported a less than premium feel, with suggestions that the wood quality, particularly the core ply, could be improved. TTSensei experts note that for its price point, the quality offers decent value, though there can be inconsistencies in the manufacturing that affect the overall sensation.
Technology
Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 features an inner-ply construction with Acryl Carbon layers strategically placed within the wood plies. This design aims to offer the benefits of carbon—increased speed and a larger sweet spot—while maintaining a more controlled and softer feel compared to outer-ply carbon blades. The outer Limba and inner Aos wood layers further contribute to the blade's feel and spin-generating capabilities. This construction represents the modern approach to balancing power with finesse in offensive blades.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Dimitrij Ovtcharov
Dimitrij Ovtcharov was instrumental in the development and popularization of this blade line. While he primarily used the 'Senso' version during his ascent to World No. 1, the non-Senso Ovtcharov No. 1 shares a similar construction and was developed with his input. The blade's inner carbon technology and balanced speed-to-control ratio suit his aggressive, yet precise, all-round offensive playing style, allowing him to generate immense power while maintaining control in crucial moments.
Similar Blades
DHS Hurricane Long 5
TTSensei experts note that Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 is very similar to the DHS Hurricane Long 5. Both blades are 7-ply constructions with inner carbon layers and are praised for their speed, spin, and offensive capabilities, making them suitable for players with similar aggressive, topspin-oriented styles. The primary differences are often slight variations in handle design and overall dimensions.
Butterfly Innerforce ZLC
Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 is sometimes compared to Butterfly Innerforce ZLC due to its inner carbon construction. Both blades aim to provide carbon benefits with a focus on feel and control, making them suitable for players who prefer a less direct carbon feel. Ovtcharov No. 1 is often seen as a more accessible alternative to high-end blades with similar technological principles.