Weight
88g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Matador
Dr. Neubauer Matador is an offensive all-wood blade engineered for players who utilize pimple-out or anti-spin rubbers, delivering a powerful yet controlled game. Its unique 7-ply construction provides a fast, rigid feel ideal for aggressive topspin and loops while maintaining exceptional touch for precise blocking and placement. The blade excels at creating a low, disruptive ball trajectory that benefits unconventional rubber setups, making it a top-tier choice for combination players seeking consistency and deceptive effects alongside offensive power.
The construction features symmetrical thin Walnut outer plies, followed by thinner Ayous layers beneath them, and then three thicker Ayous layers forming the core. This 7-ply stack contributes to the blade's balanced feel, providing rigidity for power while maintaining essential touch and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Matador delivers substantial power for offensive play, consistently rated in the high 8s. This speed supports fast topspin shots and aggressive attacks, making it suitable for players who want to dictate the pace without sacrificing all control. It provides the necessary punch for a modern attacking game.
Exceptional control is a defining feature, particularly when paired with anti-spin or long pimple rubbers. This high level of command allows for precise ball placement, effective blocking, and consistent play, making it a reliable blade even during fast exchanges. Players report great confidence in their touch shots.
Matador offers a relatively rigid, medium-hard feel. The Walnut outer plies contribute to this firmness, while the inner Ayous layers provide a balanced touch that delivers clear ball feedback without feeling completely dead, offering a distinct sensation compared to carbon blades.
The blade produces a medium throw angle, creating a reliable trajectory that works well for both attacking loops and controlled blocks, particularly when used with anti-spin or long pimple rubbers that benefit from a consistent arc.
The blade provides a medium dwell time, striking a balance between quick ball repulsion for offensive shots and sufficient contact time for generating spin and maintaining control, which is especially beneficial when using specialized rubbers.
Matador is a relatively rigid blade, indicating low to medium-low flexibility. This stiffness contributes to its direct, powerful feel and supports a fast, offensive playing style that favors quick rebounds.
As a 7-ply all-wood construction, it transmits a medium level of vibration, providing good tactile feedback on contact without being excessively harsh. Players note it has less vibration than some stiffer carbon composite blades.
Craftsmanship and material quality are frequently praised, described as top-notch. The blade exhibits great build quality with attractive Walnut outer plies, feeling solid and well-made in the hand. It holds its own against other respected brands in terms of finish and durability.
Technology
Dr. Neubauer Matador utilizes a specific 7-ply all-wood composition to achieve its unique playing characteristics. Thin Walnut outer plies are chosen for their rigidity and aesthetic appeal, providing a solid hitting surface. These are backed by multiple layers of Ayous wood, selected for its ability to absorb vibration and contribute to a controlled, tactile feel. This layered structure aims to deliver a powerful yet controlled offensive experience, with a particular focus on producing the low bounce and disruptive effect highly valued by players using anti-spin and long pimple rubbers.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Maik Schoenknecht
Maik Schoenknecht, a high-level German player, uses the Matador to support his game built around anti-spin rubbers. He finds the blade effectively facilitates his disruptive style, allowing for controlled blocking with his anti-spin while still providing enough inherent power for offensive actions when needed.
Similar Blades
Dr. Neubauer Matador Texa
Matador Texa is an enhanced version featuring a 9-ply construction with added fiber material. It is designed to be slightly faster and more powerful, offering a more dynamic offensive game while retaining good performance with pimple-out and anti-spin rubbers. It's a logical upgrade for players who want more speed from the Matador platform.
Dr. Neubauer Matador Hybrid Carbon
This is a faster, stiffer variant incorporating Hybrid Aramid Carbon and Texalium fibers. It's built for an uncompromisingly aggressive attacking game, offering maximum speed and spin with inverted rubbers while maintaining high effectiveness with pimple-out and anti-spin. It suits players who demand utmost speed and a very direct feel.
Dr. Neubauer Matador Texa Carbon
Positioned as the fastest in the series, this blade features Carbon and Texalium in its construction. It offers an extremely stiff, direct feel tailored for an aggressive attacking game with inverted rubbers, and it also performs excellently with pimple-out and anti-spin rubbers to achieve a low bounce and high spin reversal.