Weight
80.5g
Thickness
6.65mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
161x151
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
IM7 Graphite
Gambler IM7 Graphite is a hybrid offensive blade that masterfully balances modern composite speed with a player-friendly feel. Its 7-ply construction, featuring Koto outer plies and inner layers of Kukui and Ayous wood bonded with IM7 graphite, is engineered for excellent dwell time and a superior tactile platform for powerful topspin play. The blade offers a high-flex, medium-hard feel with a superb hand-sealed finish, providing premium craftsmanship and a comfortable, communicative touch. Designed for intermediate to advanced players focused on spin-based attacks, it delivers controlled power and is a compelling choice for those seeking to elevate their offensive game.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-layer construction with Koto outer plies, followed by IM7 graphite, then inner plies of Kukui and Ayous wood. This hybrid structure aims to provide the speed and stiffness of graphite while retaining the feel and dwell time associated with wood plies.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Gambler IM7 Graphite is rated as an offensive blade with high speed, attributed to its hybrid construction featuring IM7 graphite layers which enhance power for aggressive shots. It provides ample pace for attacking play, particularly for players focusing on topspin drives and powerful smashes.
Despite its offensive speed, the blade maintains a high control rating due to its composite structure that offers good feel and dwell time. The combination of Koto outer plies and inner wood layers contributes to precise placement and controlled shots, making it forgiving even during fast exchanges.
Gambler IM7 Graphite offers a responsive and communicative feel with high flex, providing a new level of touch for a composite blade. It has enough softness to deliver good feedback on shots while maintaining the inherent firmness expected from a hybrid construction.
The combination of speed and dwell time creates a medium-high throw angle, particularly when paired with modern rubbers. This allows for aggressive looping with good trajectory, suitable for clearing the net and targeting the opponent's court with spin.
The blade is specifically designed for high dwell time, crucial for generating heavy spin on loops. The combination of wood plies and graphite layers creates deeper ball contact, allowing players to impart more spin and achieve controlled trajectories on attacking shots.
Characterized by high flex, the blade allows for increased dwell time and a more forgiving feel. This medium flexibility aids in generating spin and provides a comfortable hitting sensation, distinguishing it from stiffer composite blades and adding versatility across various strokes.
With its high flex and emphasis on feeling, the blade transmits vibrations effectively to provide feedback without being overly harsh. This moderate vibration level aids in ball control and touch during play.
Gambler IM7 Graphite is generally perceived as a well-crafted blade with attention to detail in production. Players report a superb finish and top-notch craftsmanship, with the hand-sealing process contributing to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Technology
Gambler IM7 Graphite employs a hybrid construction strategy, integrating two layers of IM7 graphite within a five-ply wood structure. The core innovation lies in the special bond between the Koto outer ply and the IM7 graphite fibers, a technique designed to enhance the blade's flex and tactile feedback. This construction aims to deliver superior feeling and touch, making it suitable for players who prioritize spin and control alongside offensive power. The blade is further enhanced with a hand-sealed finish, contributing to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Similar Blades
Gambler Blackout Max Speed Carbon
Both blades are from Gambler and feature carbon construction, suggesting a shared design philosophy. The Blackout Max Speed Carbon is recommended as a fast carbon blade, indicating it may offer similar offensive capability with potentially different feel or speed emphasis due to its specific carbon placement.
Gambler Vector Speed
Similar to the Blackout Max Speed Carbon, the Vector Speed is another fast carbon blade from Gambler. It's noted to be slightly faster, implying a more aggressive offensive profile. Comparison to the IM7 Graphite would likely focus on the feel and control provided by the specific carbon integration and wood plies.