Weight
87.5g
Thickness
7.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Waldner Impuls IR
Donic Waldner Impuls IR is an offensive blade that masterfully balances speed and control, designed for players seeking a dynamic and versatile all-around game. It features Donic's signature Impuls technology, a soft-gluing process that enhances ball feedback, acceleration, and control. This 7-ply all-wood construction delivers a solid, satisfying feel perfect for aggressive topspins, powerful smashes, and precise blocks. It provides enough speed for attacking shots while maintaining excellent control for softer placements and service returns, making it a strong choice for players who rely on variation and consistent performance.
This 7-ply construction features alternating softer (Spruce, Balsa, Ayous) and harder (Koto) woods, combined with Donic's Impuls soft-gluing technology. The outer Spruce layers contribute to dwell time and feel, while the inner layers offer stability and power for a balanced performance.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Waldner Impuls IR is considered a fast blade, suitable for offensive play. It consistently falls into the higher end of the speed spectrum for an all-wood blade. This speed is attributed to its 7-ply construction and the Impuls technology, enabling powerful topspins and smashes that can pressure opponents effectively.
This blade offers a high level of control, which is a hallmark of the Impuls technology. This control is crucial for executing various shots, from delicate short-game plays to controlled offensive strokes and soft blocks. The positive feedback and dwell time contribute significantly to its precise handling capabilities.
The Impuls technology, with its soft-gluing process, imparts a distinct feel characterized by good dwell time and reduced vibration. It offers a soft touch that makes strokes feel easier and more controlled, despite the inherent stiffness from its thickness.
The combination of speed, dwell time, and the blade's construction suggests a medium-high throw angle, which is advantageous for generating aggressive topspin shots with good arc and penetration over the net.
The combination of the 7-ply construction and the Impuls technology's soft-gluing process contributes to a noticeable dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, enhancing spin potential for topspin shots and providing better control during the short game.
Waldner Impuls IR offers a moderate level of flexibility. This allows for good ball contact and spin generation, while still maintaining enough stiffness for powerful offensive shots and effective blocking at the table.
The Impuls technology is specifically designed to dampen vibrations, providing a cleaner feel and reducing unnecessary shock to the hand. This results in a more focused hitting sensation and allows for more precise control over the ball.
Waldner Impuls IR is generally praised for its build quality and finish. This attention to detail ensures durability and a premium feel, consistent with Donic's reputation for producing well-crafted table tennis equipment that holds up well over time.
Technology
The Donic Impuls Technology, introduced around 2000, is a key feature of this blade. It involves a special soft-gluing process for the veneer layers. This technique aims to optimize vibration behavior, resulting in outstanding ball acceleration, unsurpassed control, optimum weight, and a perfect sound. The use of a special adhesive film in the construction further enhances these unique cushioning and playing characteristics. This technology is particularly noted for its effectiveness with modern plastic balls, helping to counteract their tendency for lower spin and speed.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jan-Ove Waldner
While the 'Waldner Impuls IR' is named after him, direct confirmation of him using this specific model extensively in professional matches is not widely documented. However, the 'Waldner Impuls' series was a significant part of Donic's lineup during his peak career, and it's highly probable he tested or used variations of it, as he was closely associated with Donic's blade development. The blade's characteristics align perfectly with his versatile, controlled offensive playing style.
Similar Blades
Donic New Impuls 7.0 / 7.5
These blades are part of the same New Impuls series and share the core Impuls technology with a similar soft-gluing process. The 7.0 and 7.5 models are generally considered more offensive than the Impuls IR, offering slightly more speed and power while retaining the characteristic Impuls feel and control that players appreciate.
Donic Waldner Offensive 2016
While featuring a different construction, the Waldner Offensive 2016 shares the 'Waldner' lineage and an offensive orientation. It's known for having excellent dwell time and a classic all-wood feel, making it a solid alternative for players who appreciate a more traditional offensive wood blade with good spin capabilities.