Weight
81g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x149
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Custom
Balance
Balanced
Waldner Senso Carbon JO Shape
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon JO Shape honors table tennis legend Jan-Ove Waldner with a hybrid design that builds on the classic Allplay. It integrates two carbon layers into a Swedish all-wood construction, creating a harmonious balance between offensive power and precise control. The signature Senso V1 hollow handle delivers distinct feedback, enhancing your feel for the ball. Its unique 'drop' shape, popularized by Waldner, offers an extended playing surface and a standout aesthetic. Crafted in Sweden, this blade is a compelling choice for aggressive allround and offensive players who want modern technology paired with classic playability.
This 5+2 ply construction combines traditional Swedish wood feel with the added speed and stiffness of carbon fiber. The carbon layers are strategically placed within the wood structure, contributing to a crisp feel and directness without sacrificing too much dwell time or control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon JO Shape offers a significant speed boost from its carbon layers, placing it firmly in the OFF- to OFF category. It provides ample power for aggressive attacks and drives, though it isn't as fast as some modern super-carbon blades. Players report its speed is sufficient for dynamic play, especially when paired with fast rubbers, making it effective for offensive rallies without sacrificing too much touch.
Control is a standout feature of this blade. The combination of carbon and wood, along with its unique shape and Senso handle, delivers exceptional feel and precision. This allows for excellent execution in all game aspects, from delicate short game touches to powerful loops and accurate blocks. Many players find it offers a high level of predictability and placement accuracy.
Despite the carbon layers, this blade offers a surprisingly soft, almost all-wood-like feel. This is due to the carbon being placed between wood plies, providing good resonance and clear feedback through the handle. Players can feel the ball's impact distinctly, enhancing touch and control.
The combination of carbon and wood, along with the blade's construction, results in a medium-high throw angle. This is advantageous for generating high-arching topspin shots that clear the net easily and put pressure on opponents, ideal for loop-heavy styles.
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon JO Shape provides good dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the rubber. This is crucial for generating spin on serves and aggressive loops. While the carbon adds stiffness, the wood layers help maintain sufficient dwell time for spin-oriented play, making it effective for topspin rallies.
This blade offers a medium level of flexibility. It's not stiff like some all-carbon blades, nor overly flexible like pure all-wood blades. This balance allows for efficient energy transfer during powerful shots while providing the necessary flex for spin generation, making it versatile for various strokes.
The Senso V1 hollow handle is designed to transmit vibrations, offering feedback to the player. Some find this vibration beneficial for feel, while others perceive it as moderate. It's not excessively jarring but is noticeable, contributing to the blade's communicative nature during play.
This blade is generally considered to be of good quality, reflecting its Swedish manufacturing. However, some reviews note that the finish, particularly around the edges of the blade head, might not be as refined as on some premium blades. Despite this, the underlying wood and construction are robust and reliable for regular play.
Technology
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon JO Shape features 'Senso V1' technology with a hollow channel in the handle to enhance tactile feedback, allowing players to feel the ball's impact more directly for improved control. It incorporates two carbon fiber layers into a 5-ply wood construction in a '5+2' ply structure, fusing classic wood feel with modern speed and stiffness. The unique 'JO Shape' is a design element from Jan-Ove Waldner, featuring a longer and narrower head profile for an extended playing surface and distinct aesthetic.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Jan-Ove Waldner
Jan-Ove Waldner, often called 'The Mozart of Table Tennis,' is intrinsically linked to this blade's design and lineage. While retired, this blade was developed in collaboration with him based on his preferences. He used blades with similar constructions and the characteristic JO Shape during his later career, appreciating the blend of control, feel, and sufficient power for his strategic and offensive allround game.
Similar Blades
Donic Waldner Senso Carbon (Classic)
The classic Donic Waldner Senso Carbon shares many similarities with the JO Shape version, including the 5+2 ply construction with carbon and the Senso handle. The primary difference is the head shape; the JO Shape is longer and narrower, while the classic version has a more standard shape. Some users perceive the JO Shape as having slightly less dwell time and a different feel, while the classic version is noted for its 'double speed effect' that the JO Shape lacks.
Donic Waldner JO Shape Limited Edition (Offensive)
This blade is a 5-ply all-wood construction, distinct from the carbon-infused Senso Carbon JO Shape. While it shares the characteristic JO Shape and is associated with Waldner, it offers a softer, more flexible feel and less inherent speed. Players seeking a traditional wood feel with excellent control and spin would consider this, whereas the Senso Carbon JO Shape provides a more modern, faster offensive option.