Weight
86g
Thickness
6.3mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Red Spirit
Friendship Red Spirit is a 7-ply all-wood table tennis blade designed for players seeking a versatile balance of speed, control, and spin. Developed by the RITC (Rubber Research Institute of Tianjin), it caters to both Chinese and European playing styles, making it an excellent choice for all-around offensive play. The blade offers a medium feel with good dwell time, enhancing spin generation for loops and aggressive serves. It's a popular and user-friendly option for developing intermediate players who appreciate a classic wood feel with modern, manageable performance.
As a 7-ply all-wood construction using wood veneers, the Red Spirit is designed to offer a good combination of stiffness and flexibility. This layering contributes directly to its described medium feel and dwell time, which are foundational for spin development and controlled offensive play.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a speed rating of 7.8, the Red Spirit offers offensive capability that leans towards OFF- or a faster ALL+. It provides manageable pace that allows for effective attacking shots and good spin generation. While not an extreme speed demon, it delivers enough power for a strong offensive game, particularly when combined with faster rubbers, making it a versatile choice for developing attackers.
An 8.4 control rating indicates excellent precision and consistency. This high level of control allows players to place the ball accurately, execute delicate short game shots, and maintain rally stability. It's a defining attribute that makes the Red Spirit particularly beneficial for players who prioritize placement, spin, and tactical development over raw power.
The blade delivers a consistent medium feel, striking a balance between ball impact sensation for control and sufficient stiffness for effective power transfer. It's neither overly stiff nor excessively soft, providing a comfortable, responsive connection that enhances touch and feedback during play.
The combination of good dwell time and an all-around offensive profile suggests a medium throw angle. This makes it suitable for a variety of shots, from controlled loops close to the table to more aggressive drives from mid-distance.
Players report good dwell time, which allows the rubber to grip the ball effectively for spin generation. This characteristic is crucial for executing spinny loops and controlled topspin shots, making it a significant advantage for players focused on spin-oriented tactics.
The blade exhibits a medium to flexible character, contributing to its good dwell time and spin-generating capabilities. This flexibility aids in ball pocketing for spin, while the medium-hardness core prevents it from being overly soft, maintaining enough responsiveness for crisp offensive play.
While not explicitly rated, descriptions of a 'nice touch' and 'well-balanced' feel suggest vibration is managed effectively. It provides sufficient feedback for control without being harsh or distracting, contributing to a comfortable playing experience.
A quality rating of 8.0 reflects very good construction and craftsmanship for its price range. The blade is well-balanced with a nice touch, indicating solid manufacturing and material selection. It's recognized as one of the top-level offerings in its category, providing reliable performance and good value.
Technology
The Friendship Red Spirit is a product of the RITC (Rubber Research Institute of Tianjin), reflecting a design philosophy focused on optimizing the interaction between wood plies and rubbers. While specific proprietary technologies aren't detailed, its 7-ply all-wood construction represents a classic, refined approach. The emphasis on a 'high-level full-wood baseboard' indicates a commitment to quality wood selection and precise bonding techniques to achieve consistent performance characteristics like feel, control, and dwell time, providing a reliable platform for player development.
Similar Blades
729 Bomb
The 729 Bomb is often cited as a faster, more aggressive alternative. Players report that the Bomb can feel a bit too fast with slightly less control and feel compared to the Red Spirit. The Red Spirit thus serves as a more controlled and sensitive option for players who find the Bomb's power overwhelming, preferring better touch and consistency.