Weight
85g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
8040
The Friendship 8040 blade is a classic all-wood table tennis blade known for its balanced performance and excellent control. It's a popular choice for developing players and those seeking a reliable, predictable feel for all-around play. Its construction provides a solid foundation for learning proper technique while offering enough speed for offensive shots.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction with Limba outer plies and a thick Ayous core. This layup is classic for all-wood blades, providing a good balance of flex, feel, and controlled power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The 8040 delivers a medium speed, ideal for controlled offensive play. It provides enough pace for effective attacks without sacrificing the predictability needed for consistent placement and rally building.
Control is the standout feature of this blade. Its all-wood construction and balanced flex provide a high level of precision for placement shots, blocks, and touch play, making it very forgiving and easy to handle.
The blade provides a medium, woody feel with good feedback. It's neither too hard nor too soft, offering a comfortable and communicative sensation on ball impact that helps with shot timing.
It produces a medium throw angle. Loops and drives have a natural, controllable arc, making it easier to keep the ball on the table during aggressive topspin exchanges.
It has a relatively long dwell time, allowing the ball to stay on the racket face longer. This aids in spin generation and provides a larger window for stroke adjustment and control.
The blade has a medium level of flexibility. It offers a good blend of stability for blocking and a slight catapult effect for generating power in loops when you engage the wood fully.
Vibration is at a medium level. You get clear, tactile feedback on shots without excessive harshness or numbness, which is helpful for sensing the quality of your contact.
Friendship blades are known for their solid build quality and consistency. The 8040 features good craftsmanship with even plies and a durable finish, offering reliable performance over time.
Technology
The Friendship 8040 utilizes a classic 5-ply all-wood construction. This traditional design focuses on a harmonious blend of plies to achieve a balanced flex profile. The technology is in the selection and curing of the wood layers to provide consistent performance, excellent shock absorption, and a pure woody feel that many players prefer for developing touch and control.
Similar Blades
Stiga Allround Classic
The Stiga Allround Classic is a very similar Western-style all-wood control blade. It shares the 5-ply all-wood construction, medium speed, and high control characteristics, making it a direct European counterpart to the Friendship 8040.
Butterfly Primorac
Butterfly Primorac offers a slightly crisper and harder feel compared to the 8040 but remains in the all-wood, control-oriented category. It provides excellent touch and is a step faster, suitable for players wanting a bit more direct feedback and pace while maintaining high control.