Weight
84.5g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Waldner Legend Carbon
Donic Waldner Legend Carbon is a fast offensive blade built for aggressive players who want power without sacrificing control. Its unique 3+2 ply construction pairs stiff Kiso Hinoki outer plies with carbon layers and a soft Kiri core, creating a lightweight blade with a large sweet spot. This design delivers a crisp feel and excellent feedback, ideal for close-to-the-table play and dominating topspin rallies. The stiffness helps generate heavy spin and fast shots, making it a formidable choice for players looking to control the game with aggressive offense.
This 3+2 construction combines the stiffness and speed of carbon with the feel and control of Hinoki outer plies and a soft Kiri core. The Hinoki provides a hard, fast surface, while the carbon layers boost speed and enlarge the sweet spot. The Kiri core offers a softer feel and aids in control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Waldner Legend Carbon is consistently rated as a very fast blade. The combination of Hinoki outer plies and carbon layers contributes significantly to its high speed capabilities, making it ideal for offensive players who want to put pressure on opponents with fast shots and powerful attacks.
Despite its high speed, the Waldner Legend Carbon offers surprisingly good control, often cited as one of its strengths. The softer Kiri core and larger sweet spot contribute to this, allowing for precise placement and a good feel for the ball, making it suitable for players who need both offensive power and accuracy.
The blade offers a crisp feel, with a noticeable sensation of the carbon layer upon harder ball impact. The Hinoki outer plies contribute to a slightly softer feel compared to some all-carbon blades, providing good feedback without being overly harsh.
The combination of speed and stiffness tends to produce a medium-high throw angle, suitable for aggressive topspin shots that clear the net with a good trajectory.
Our testing shows a medium dwell time, which is good for generating spin, especially when paired with appropriate rubbers. While some passive shots might benefit from more dwell, the overall dwell time is considered sufficient for offensive play and spin-oriented shots.
The blade is described as stiff to very stiff, which is characteristic of offensive carbon blades designed for power and direct play. This stiffness allows for fast, penetrating shots.
Vibration is generally perceived as medium. The Hinoki outer plies help to dampen some of the harshness often associated with carbon blades, providing a more comfortable playing experience.
The blade features excellent build quality and craftsmanship, especially considering its price point. The materials, such as Hinoki and carbon, are integrated well, resulting in a durable and aesthetically pleasing product that compares favorably to more expensive options.
Technology
Donic Waldner Legend Carbon utilizes a specialized 3+2 ply construction, integrating Kiso Hinoki outer plies with carbon layers and a soft Kiri core. This design aims to deliver the speed and power of carbon blades while retaining a degree of control and feel often attributed to wood-based blades. The careful selection of veneers and gluing technique contribute to an enlarged sweet spot, enhancing forgiveness and consistency during play. This technological approach allows for high-speed offensive play with a focus on topspin and aggressive attacks, making it a potent weapon for close-to-the-table attackers.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jan-Ove Waldner
While the blade is named after him and carries his legacy, there's no direct evidence that Jan-Ove Waldner used this specific carbon version extensively in his professional career. However, the 'Waldner' series reflects his playing style and influence, and this model is designed to embody the attributes of an aggressive, yet controlled, offensive game that Waldner exemplified. The blade's characteristics align with a player who demands speed and spin but also requires precise control for a masterful all-around game.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Primorac Carbon
Butterfly Primorac Carbon is frequently cited as a very similar blade. Both share a similar Hinoki-Carbon-Kiri-Carbon-Hinoki construction, weight range, and are designed for offensive play with an emphasis on speed and control. Players report the Waldner Legend Carbon can have a slightly softer feel and a bit more dwell time compared to the Primorac Carbon, while others find their performance nearly identical.