Weight
85g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Waldner Dicon
Donic Waldner Dicon is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade celebrated for its exceptional control and direct feel, making it a top choice for controlled offensive players and allrounders. Crafted in Sweden, it features the unique Dicon technology, where parts of the handle are milled out to enhance the direct connection between hand and blade. This design reduces weight and provides superior ball feedback for precise power transmission. The Limba, Spruce, and Ayous veneer construction delivers a medium elasticity and a satisfying woody sound, offering a superb balance of speed, spin, and control. Closely associated with the legendary Jan-Ove Waldner, this blade embodies a classic touch for players seeking reliability and feel.
This symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction uses Limba outer plies for feel and spin, Spruce middle plies for elasticity, and an Ayous core for control. The layering provides a balanced blend of speed, dwell time, and a classic woody response.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Waldner Dicon offers a respectable speed for an all-wood blade, suitable for offensive play while prioritizing control over raw power. It's capable of generating good pace when activated with proper technique but lacks the explosive speed of modern composite blades. Players generally find its speed to be medium to medium-fast, making it effective for controlled attacks without sacrificing touch.
Control is the standout feature of this blade. The Dicon technology, combined with its 5-ply all-wood construction, provides exceptional ball feedback and a direct feel. This allows for precise placement, delicate short game play, and confident blocking. Many players highlight its ability to keep the ball on the table even during aggressive strokes, making it a highly reliable choice for tactical play.
The blade offers a direct and clear feeling for the ball, largely due to the Dicon handle technology. It has a distinct 'woody' feel with good sensitivity to impact, providing enough dwell time for spin generation without feeling overly soft or stiff, striking a balanced medium touch.
The construction, particularly with the Limba outer plies, tends to produce a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates powerful looping and aggressive attacking shots, helping players generate effective arc and depth on their topspins.
The 5-ply all-wood construction and medium elasticity of the Limba, Spruce, and Ayous veneers contribute to a medium dwell time. This allows for good spin absorption and creation, particularly beneficial for loops and controlled topspin shots where brush contact is key.
The blade exhibits a moderate degree of flex, described as having medium elasticity. Some players perceive it as fairly stiff for a 5-ply, while others appreciate the good flex for spin generation. This balance makes it suitable for allround and controlled offensive play, offering a responsive yet stable feel.
Vibration is generally considered to be in the medium to low range. The Dicon technology is designed to transmit power directly, which can reduce perceived vibration and enhance clean feedback. Players note a satisfying sound on impact without unpleasant resonance in the hand.
Manufactured in Sweden, the Donic Waldner Dicon is recognized for its solid build quality and durability at its price point. Users appreciate the craftsmanship and classic feel of the all-wood construction. While isolated incidents of grip detachment have been reported, these are not common, and the blade generally offers excellent value for money with consistent performance over time.
Technology
The Donic Waldner Dicon features the unique 'Dicon' (Direct Control) technology. This involves precise milling of parts of the handle to achieve weight reduction and enhanced direct ball feel. By creating a more immediate connection between the player's hand and the blade, the Dicon construction amplifies feedback on power and speed. This direct transmission of force from the ball contact area results in superior control and a more intimate connection with the ball, which is central to the blade's reputation for exceptional feel and precision.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jan-Ove Waldner
Jan-Ove Waldner, one of the greatest table tennis players of all time, famously used the Donic Waldner Dicon during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including his victories in the 1997 World Championships and 2000 Olympics. He preferred blades with the specific Limba-Spruce-Ayous-Spruce-Limba veneer construction and the unique Dicon handle, which provided the direct feel, control, and balance essential for his dynamic, allround offensive style. The blade's characteristics perfectly complemented his exceptional touch, spin variation, and tactical intelligence.
Similar Blades
Donic Waldner Offensive
Donic Waldner Offensive is a similar 5-ply all-wood blade that shares the same Limba-Spruce-Ayous-Spruce-Limba veneer construction as the Dicon. It offers a comparable feel and control, making it a solid alternative for players seeking a classic all-wood experience. However, it typically lacks the Dicon handle technology, which may result in a slightly less direct feel and feedback compared to the milled handle of the Dicon.
Donic Waldner Senso V1
Donic Waldner Senso V1 is another 5-ply all-wood blade in the Waldner series, focusing on control with an all-wood construction. It is often described as slightly slower than the Dicon but with a good overall dynamic. The Senso technology, which involves a hollow handle construction, affects feel and weight distribution differently, offering a distinct playing sensation compared to the Dicon's milled handle design.