Weight
85g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Relevant
Donic Relevant is a 7-ply hybrid blade built for offensive and all-round players seeking a dynamic game at a moderate price. It merges the classic feel of wood with the enhanced properties of Certran synthetic fiber, creating a unique playing experience. The blade delivers a well-balanced combination of speed, control, and feel, making it ideal for players who enjoy spin-oriented attacks. Its construction provides pleasant, non-disruptive vibrations and excellent ball feedback for precise shot execution. This versatile option effectively bridges the gap between pure wood and advanced composite materials.
This 7-ply construction features inner layers of Certran synthetic fiber sandwiched between traditional wood plies of Limba and Ayous. The Certran fiber enhances the blade's dynamism and speed while maintaining good feel and control. The Ayous core provides a soft touch, and the Limba outer plies offer excellent grip and feel for spin generation.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Relevant is generally rated as a fast blade, consistently scoring around 8.5 to 9 out of 10. Our testing shows it provides excellent speed for offensive play, which is attributed to the dynamic enhancement from the Certran fiber layers. While not at the extreme end of OFF++ blades, it offers sufficient pace for aggressive shots and counter-attacks, making it a powerful yet manageable option.
Control is consistently a strong point for the Donic Relevant. You get good ball feedback and pleasant vibrations that contribute to precise shot-making. Despite its offensive capabilities, it doesn't sacrifice control, making it suitable for players who value both attacking power and placement accuracy.
The feel of the Donic Relevant is described as having good, pleasant feedback with some complexity. It feels quite flexible and soft on light hits but delivers a strong, carbon-like rigidity when struck hard. This creates a feel that adapts to shot force, offering wood-like softness for touch shots and a firmer response for powerful strokes.
Player reviews indicate that loops and drives tend to have a higher arc than expected, suggesting a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for clearing the net with spin and creating aggressive attacking opportunities during rallies.
The dwell time on the Donic Relevant appears to be moderately long, allowing for good spin generation. The combination of wood and Certran fiber creates a feeling of the ball sinking into the blade, enabling players to impart significant spin on serves and loops. This is supported by consistent positive feedback on spin capabilities and overall control.
The flexibility of the Donic Relevant presents a nuanced profile. Some sources label it as stiff due to the Certran fiber, while player experiences indicate a more adaptive feel. It seems to offer medium flexibility—responsive and firm for powerful shots but retaining enough give for touch and control, especially on lighter strokes.
Donic Relevant is noted for having pleasant, non-disruptive vibrations. This characteristic contributes to a comfortable playing experience and good ball feedback, allowing players to feel the contact without excessive jarring. The Certran fiber likely helps dampen some of the harsher vibrations often associated with carbon blades.
The Donic Relevant is generally perceived as having good quality for its price point. Many players find the finish and overall feel of the blade to be excellent for the cost, highlighting the pleasant feel and well-balanced construction. The consensus is positive, especially considering its mid-range pricing, offering solid performance and craftsmanship.
Technology
Donic Relevant is distinguished by its use of Certran, a high-strength synthetic fiber known for exceptional tensile strength—reportedly up to 15 times stronger than steel. Typically used in demanding applications like glider winch ropes, Certran is integrated into the blade to enhance dynamism and speed without introducing excessive stiffness or vibration. The 7-ply structure, featuring an Ayous wood core and Limba outer plies, complements the Certran layers to create a balanced feel and excellent ball feedback. This combination aims to deliver an all-round offensive playing experience that bridges traditional and modern materials.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Flavien Coton
Flavien Coton, a French professional table tennis player, has been noted using the Donic Relevant blade. His selection suggests its suitability for a professional offensive style that requires both power and finesse. Coton's use indicates confidence in its ability to perform at a high level, supporting the blade's reputation as a versatile offensive option that balances modern synthetic materials with a classic wood feel.
Similar Blades
Donic Person Power Carbon (PPC)
When compared to the Donic Person Power Carbon, players find the Relevant feels more flexible and soft overall, though both offer a firm response when hit hard. This suggests the Relevant might provide a softer feel or different response characteristics, potentially appealing to players who find the PPC too stiff or seeking a more nuanced touch.
Stiga Infinity
Some players describe the feel of the Donic Relevant as similar to a Stiga Infinity, but with reduced bumpy sensation and increased rigidity. This comparison implies both blades offer a dynamic feel, but the Relevant might provide a more consistent and less jarring playing experience. It serves as a potential alternative for those who like the Infinity's responsiveness but desire a smoother, more controlled feel.