Weight
85g
Thickness
5.9mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
159.5x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Handle-Heavy
Ovtcharov No. 1 Senso
Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 Senso is a premium offensive blade engineered for dynamic, spin-oriented attacking play. Its 7-ply hybrid construction features inner Premium Acryl-Carbon layers surrounded by wood, delivering significant power and acceleration while maintaining a surprisingly soft touch and excellent feel. The proprietary Senso technology, with its hollow handle, shifts the weight balance towards the blade head to enhance racket speed for powerful topspin strokes. This combination results in a blade that excels in generating heavy spin and offers exceptional control for serves, returns, and passive play, making it a top choice for ambitious players seeking a high-performance offensive tool.
The 7-ply construction features an inner Acryl-Carbon layer sandwiched between wood plies. This symmetrical configuration, with two layers of Premium Acryl-Carbon, is designed to offer a powerful and fast yet controlled playing experience. The inner placement provides a softer feel and greater dwell time compared to outer carbon blades, while still delivering significant acceleration and a large sweet spot.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
This blade is a true offensive powerhouse, classified at an OFF+ level. It delivers enormous acceleration and power, allowing for explosive drives and smashes. The inner placement of the Premium Acryl-Carbon layers is key to this performance, providing a significant boost to shot speed while maintaining a connected feel that outer carbon blades often lack.
Despite its high-speed rating, Ovtcharov No. 1 Senso offers incredible control. Players report a great feel and a relatively soft touch, which stands out as a defining feature. This excellent control stems from the inner carbon construction and the Senso handle, which together enhance feedback and allow for precise execution of serves, returns, and delicate touch shots near the table.
The blade provides a great feel with a relatively soft touch. Despite the inner carbon layers, it offers distinct feedback on ball contact, which aids significantly in control and spin generation. This softer, more sensitive character differentiates it from harder, stiffer carbon blades.
The inner carbon and wood layer combination typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is ideal for powerful topspin shots that clear the net with a good arc, perfectly suited for attacking play from mid-distance.
The combination of wood and inner Acryl-Carbon allows for good dwell time. The ball stays on the racket face slightly longer, which is highly beneficial for generating heavy spin and controlling the ball during loops, serves, and other spin-oriented strokes.
While possessing offensive stiffness, it is more flexible than a truly rigid blade. This moderate flexibility contributes positively to its dwell time and spin generation, offering a balanced feel that is not overly stiff, which aids in controlled power shots.
The Senso hollow handle technology transfers vibrations in a unique way, often described as providing a more direct feel to the blade's tip. This results in a controlled level of vibration—avoiding excessive harshness while still delivering clear, informative feedback on ball impact.
Craftsmanship and materials are top-tier. The blade features very precise manufacture using first-class materials like Premium Acryl-Carbon and carefully selected wood plies. This results in a durable, high-performance product with a premium finish that meets the rigorous demands of professional and advanced players.
Technology
Donic Ovtcharov No. 1 Senso incorporates two key technologies. First is the proprietary Senso technology, featuring a hollow handle that shifts the blade's balance point towards the head to enhance maneuverability and racket speed for aggressive play. Second is the use of Premium Acryl-Carbon layers placed internally, directly adjacent to the core. This inner-ply carbon placement is crucial for achieving a unique balance—delivering high speed and power while maintaining a softer, more sensitive touch that facilitates exceptional feel and superior spin generation. The precise manufacturing and high-quality material selection underscore its professional-grade design.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Dimitrij Ovtcharov
Dimitrij Ovtcharov is the namesake and primary endorser of this blade, developed with his direct input. He used it during his ascent to the World No. 1 ranking in 2018 and throughout his professional career with Donic. The blade's design, especially the inner Acryl-Carbon layers and the Senso handle's weight distribution, was tailored to complement his powerful, spin-oriented attacking style. Ovtcharov favored it for its blend of speed, control, and superior feel, which allowed him to execute his signature aggressive topspin strokes with precision and devastating power.
Similar Blades
DHS Hurricane Long 5
TTSensei experts note the Ovtcharov No. 1 Senso shares notable similarities with the DHS Hurricane Long 5. Both feature an inner-fiber construction and are designed for offensive play with a strong emphasis on spin and control. The general playing characteristics and feel are often compared, making the Hurricane Long 5 a compelling alternative for players who enjoy that style of inner-carbon performance.
Butterfly Innerforce ZLC
The construction philosophy draws comparisons to blades like the Butterfly Innerforce ZLC. Both aim to deliver the softer, more controlled feel associated with inner-ply composite designs while still providing significant speed and spin for offensive play. Players seeking similar characteristics—good dwell time, spin potential, and a balanced offensive touch—might find the Innerforce ZLC a relevant alternative.