A-2

Weight

86g

Thickness

6.4mm

Plies

7-ply

Handles

FL / ST

Material

AllWood

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Friendship-729

A-2

Friendship A-2 is a 7-ply all-wood blade that delivers a balanced blend of speed, control, and a notably soft, flexible feel. Its construction promotes excellent dwell time, making it exceptionally forgiving and easy to loop with. This versatility supports a wide range of play, from precise blocking to aggressive spin-oriented attacks, offering a confident platform for players developing their offensive game.

7-Ply Construction

The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply construction with Limba outer plies and Ayous making up the five inner plies. This arrangement is designed to create a softer feel, increase flexibility, and promote longer dwell time for enhanced spin and control.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
8.2

Friendship A-2 offers a very good level of speed suitable for offensive play. Our testing shows it provides enough pace for powerful attacks, though its true strength lies in its controlled power. Players find that pairing it with faster rubbers can unlock its full offensive potential, making it a capable blade for aggressive styles without sacrificing stability.

Control
7.8

Control is a defining strength of this blade. Its high rating reflects an amazing capacity for precise shot placement, especially in looping. The soft feel and flexibility create a forgiving platform that builds confidence, allowing for greater accuracy even with imperfect technique, which players consistently praise.

Feel
Medium-Soft
SoftMedium-SoftHard

A-2 delivers a soft, connected feeling with noticeable flex. This provides excellent feedback, allowing you to feel the ball securely on the blade, which is crucial for developing spin and touch. It creates a comfortable and confidence-inspiring playing experience.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

Given its soft feel, long dwell time, and spin-friendly nature, the A-2 typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is particularly advantageous for executing effective loops and attacking shots with good arc.

Dwell Time
8.5

The combination of Limba outer plies, Ayous inner plies, and inherent flex results in a long dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, providing ample time to impart heavy spin, making it highly beneficial for looping and controlling short game shots.

Flexibility
8.0

Significant flex is a key characteristic. This flexibility enables deeper ball contact, which directly aids in spin generation and provides a softer, more forgiving impact on off-center hits, contributing greatly to its controlled feel.

Vibration
6.0

The blade's softer feel and flexibility suggest a medium level of vibration. It is not overly jarring, as the flex helps absorb impact, contributing to a comfortable and manageable feedback sensation during play.

Quality
8.0

Build quality is considered very good for its price point. While minor cosmetic imperfections like incomplete ink spots on the branding may occur, the structural integrity and playability are highly regarded. TTSensei experts note it offers surprising performance and durability, representing excellent value.

Technology

Friendship A-2 utilizes a classic 7-ply all-wood layup. The technology centers on the specific material pairing: Limba outer plies for a balanced touch and Ayous for the inner and core plies to provide softness and flex. This design optimizes ball grip and dwell time, enhancing the blade's ability to facilitate spin-based play and offer a forgiving, connected feel that benefits developing and refined techniques alike.

Similar Blades

Xiom Solo

Players report the Friendship A-2 shares very similar characteristics with the Xiom Solo, with some considering it a potential clone. Both are 7-ply blades celebrated for a soft feeling, significant flex, and a primary focus on control and looping ability, making them comparable options.