Weight
77.5g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
15.4x15.3
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Gladiator
Dr. Neubauer Gladiator is a specialized 7-ply hybrid blade engineered for players who use pimple-out or anti-spin rubbers to maximize disruptive effects and spin reversal. Its unique construction incorporates a titanium layer and hard outer plies, creating a stiff feel with a low throw angle. This design excels in close-to-the-table blocking, producing a short, low trajectory, while also supporting dynamic offensive shots like looping and hitting with inverted or offensive short pimples. It offers a controlled yet fast playing experience, making it a breakthrough choice for players seeking an edge with specialized rubbers.
The exact wood types for the outer and inner plies are not specified, but the construction includes a unique titanium layer placed underneath the outer plies. This hybrid construction, combined with hard outer veneers, is key to the blade's rigidity, low throw angle, and disruptive playing characteristics, especially when used with pimple-out and anti-spin rubbers.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Gladiator is considered a relatively fast blade, especially for a defensive-oriented design. Our testing shows it is faster than many other blades in its category, particularly those designed for classical defense. This speed allows for dynamic attacking shots when paired with appropriate inverted or offensive short pips, while still providing enough control for defensive play with anti-spin or long pimples.
Despite its speed and rigidity, Gladiator offers excellent control, which is a hallmark of its design. This control is particularly evident when used with anti-spin and long pimples, allowing for precise placement and deceptive blocks. Players also report good control for offensive shots, enabling effective transitions between defensive and offensive play.
Gladiator has a distinct medium-hard to stiff feel due to its rigid plywood composition and titanium layer. This provides clear feedback from the ball without excessive vibration, which is beneficial for players using anti-spin and long pimples to control the ball's trajectory and spin.
The stiff construction and the inclusion of a titanium layer contribute to a low throw angle, which is highly beneficial for players using anti-spin and long pimples. This characteristic allows for precise control in blocking and makes it difficult for opponents to attack effectively.
Compared to softer, more flexible blades, Gladiator has a shorter dwell time due to its stiffness. This characteristic is advantageous for generating spin reversal with anti-spin rubbers and for producing a flutter effect with long pimples, as the ball doesn't sink into the blade as much.
Gladiator is characterized by its rigidity and stiffness, a key feature for its performance with anti-spin and long pimple rubbers. This stiffness contributes to a low throw angle and high efficacy in defensive shots, while still allowing for dynamic attacking strokes.
Players report that Gladiator offers a low vibration feel, despite its speed and stiffness. This is often attributed to the blade's construction and the titanium layer, which helps to absorb unwanted vibrations, providing a clean feel of the ball.
Dr. Neubauer blades are generally regarded as being of excellent quality, and Gladiator is no exception. The use of premium materials, including the unique titanium layer and carefully selected woods, ensures a well-constructed and durable blade that can withstand rigorous play, especially with aggressive rubber combinations.
Technology
Dr. Neubauer Gladiator blade incorporates a unique construction that integrates a titanium layer beneath its outer plies. This advanced design, combined with hard outer wood veneers, is engineered to enhance the blade's rigidity, resulting in a low throw angle and maximizing the disruptive effects crucial for players using anti-spin and long pimple rubbers. The titanium layer is specifically intended to improve the efficiency of spin reversal during blocks and create a pronounced wobbling effect with long pimples. Despite its stiff nature, the blade is designed to facilitate dynamic offensive play, allowing for effective looping and hitting with inverted or offensive short pimples, showcasing a blend of defensive disruption and offensive capability.
Similar Blades
Dr. Neubauer Kung Fu
Dr. Neubauer Kung Fu is often compared to Gladiator, as both are developed for pimple-out and anti-spin rubbers. However, TTSensei experts note the Kung Fu is described as softer, slower, and more suited for very short blocking close to the table, whereas Gladiator is stiffer, faster, and offers better attacking possibilities.
Dr. Neubauer Bulldog
Bulldog is mentioned as being faster than the Kung Fu and similar in speed to Gladiator, making it another option for players seeking a more dynamic attacking game while still maintaining good control, though potentially with slightly less spin reversal than Gladiator.