Weight
69g
Thickness
5.2mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
151x155
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Grand Master
Dr. Neubauer Grand Master is a premier defensive blade engineered for the modern ABS ball era. It prioritizes supreme control and feel, expertly dampening incoming speed to make powerful attacks manageable. This all-wood construction offers a versatile foundation for various defensive styles, excelling at both close-to-the-table blocking and deep chopping. Its medium-soft feel and high dwell time provide excellent ball feedback, making it compatible with inverted, pimple-out, and anti-spin rubbers. For players who build their game on precision, placement, and tactical disruption, the Grand Master delivers a reliable and controlled experience.
The blade features a 5-ply all-wood construction. While the exact wood species for each layer are not publicly specified by the manufacturer, the layup is precisely designed to create the slow, controlled, and flexible playing characteristics that define this premier defensive tool.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Grand Master is explicitly engineered as a slow blade, with speed being deliberately sacrificed for maximum control. This low pace is a core feature, allowing players to effectively absorb and neutralize an opponent's power. It transforms fast attacks into manageable returns, providing the time needed for precise placement and tactical shot selection, which is the foundation of a strong defensive game.
Control is the defining characteristic of this blade, reaching near-perfect levels. It offers exceptional precision for every defensive stroke, from delicate blocks at the table to deep, spinny chops. This supreme command minimizes unforced errors and allows players to consistently place the ball exactly where intended, making it easier to dictate the flow and rhythm of the point.
Grand Master provides a distinctly medium-soft, cushioned feel upon ball impact. This 'dead' sensation offers excellent feedback, allowing players to clearly sense the ball's spin and trajectory. It's a crucial element for defensive control, enabling precise touch on blocks and the ability to finely adjust chop depth and spin.
It produces a medium-low throw angle, which is ideal for defensive play. This trajectory helps keep blocks and chops low over the net, making attacks more difficult for opponents and allowing for safer, more controlled returns that stay on the table.
The blade exhibits a long dwell time, letting the ball sink into the wood for an extended period. This characteristic is a significant contributor to its control, enhancing the player's ability to absorb pace, impart spin on chops, and execute soft, controlled returns with great consistency.
Grand Master is a flexible blade, which directly supports its defensive capabilities. This flex works in tandem with the long dwell time, helping to absorb the energy of incoming shots and providing a catapult effect that aids in generating spin on defensive strokes like chops and lifts.
Vibration is minimized, resulting in a very dampened and solid feel. This low vibration level enhances comfort during long rallies, reduces fatigue, and contributes to the blade's exceptional stability and control, especially when blocking hard shots or chopping against heavy spin.
Grand Master is recognized for its high-quality construction tailored for defensive play. It delivers excellent ball feedback and consistent performance, with a build that holds up well to the demands of chopping and blocking. While isolated notes mention wood can be brittle if modified, the overall consensus points to very good durability and craftsmanship for its specific role.
Technology
Dr. Neubauer Grand Master is engineered with a specialized all-wood construction optimized for the ABS plastic ball. Its core technology focuses on dampening incoming speed and reducing the perceived spin of attacking shots, making it a formidable defensive tool. The blade's specific flex and composition are tailored to provide a long dwell time and a cushioned feel, enabling superior control for absorbing pace and generating tactical variations. This design allows defensive players to effectively manage the increased speed and reduced spin of the modern game.
Similar Blades
Dr. Neubauer Grand Master+
Grand Master+ is an enhanced version that builds upon the original's control with an even lower bounce and more disruptive effect, particularly when paired with pimple-out or anti-spin rubbers. It's the direct upgrade for players who love the Grand Master's feel but seek maximum spin reduction and unpredictability to unsettle opponents.
Victas Koji Matsushita Special
Victas Koji Matsushita Special is another elite 5-ply all-wood defensive blade renowned for its exceptional control and feel. It serves as a compelling alternative, offering a slightly different tactile feedback and dwell time profile for players exploring the top tier of defensive equipment.