Weight
89g
Thickness
6.1mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
155x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Alvaro Robles OFF
GEWO Alvaro Robles OFF is a meticulously crafted 7-ply all-wood blade designed for aggressive offensive players who demand a harmonious blend of speed, control, and exceptional feel. Developed in collaboration with Spanish world-class player Alvaro Robles, this blade supports a dynamic playing style without compromising on touch and finesse. Its construction prioritizes consistent ball contact and reliable performance in critical situations, making it a trusted tool for players who need to guide the ball precisely. It embodies a perfect balance, offering the power needed for attacking shots while retaining the sensitivity for delicate play, all enhanced by GEWO's renowned German craftsmanship.
The exact wood types for all 7 plies are not explicitly detailed, but Limba, Samba, and Abachi are mentioned as core components in a 7-ply construction. This structure is designed to provide a unique combination of speed, control, and exceptional feel, enhancing dwell time for better ball grip and spin generation.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
GEWO Alvaro Robles OFF is rated as a high-speed offensive blade, scoring 9.6 out of 10. This speed is attributed to its 7-ply all-wood construction, which, despite its wood-only composition, offers significant power for aggressive shots. It provides ample speed for powerful drives, loops, and smashes, making it suitable for players who like to dictate the pace of the game.
This blade excels in control. This high level of precision is a direct result of its excellent feel and dwell time, letting you place the ball accurately. It enables controlled topspins, effective blocking, and delicate short game maneuvers. The feedback from the wood construction helps you make quick adjustments and maintain consistency even during intense rallies.
GEWO Alvaro Robles OFF is frequently described as having a soft touch and great feel. This tactile feedback is a key characteristic of its 7-ply all-wood construction, allowing players to feel the ball's contact clearly. This feel is crucial for developing spin and executing precise shots, making it ideal for players who value a direct connection with the ball.
Based on its offensive characteristics and the type of play it supports, such as aggressive topspin and powerful drives, the blade likely has a medium-high throw angle. This facilitates aggressive looping and allows the ball to clear the net with sufficient arc, while still maintaining control.
The 7-ply all-wood construction, combined with the Limba outer plies, contributes to a longer dwell time. This extended contact period allows the rubber to grip the ball more effectively, leading to increased spin on serves and topspin shots. It also aids in controlling powerful shots and provides a more forgiving feel during passive play.
The blade has a good balance of stiffness and flexibility, often referred to in terms of feel and control. The all-wood construction generally provides more flex than composite blades, allowing for a deeper ball impression and enhanced spin. This flexibility aids in looping and provides a softer touch for blocking and touch shots.
The soft touch and emphasis on feel suggest a moderate level of vibration feedback. It is not described as overly stiff or numb, indicating that some vibration is transmitted to the hand, which contributes to the player's feel for the ball. This is typical for well-constructed all-wood blades.
GEWO is recognized for its high-quality German craftsmanship, and the Alvaro Robles blades are no exception. Users consistently praise the solid construction, good materials, and the factory lacquering, which provides a smooth finish and protects the wood. The overall build quality is considered excellent, comparable to other premium brands in the market.
Technology
GEWO Alvaro Robles OFF blade is a testament to GEWO's commitment to developing high-performance equipment through close collaboration with professional athletes. The blade's core philosophy centers around combining speed and control through a precisely engineered 7-ply all-wood construction. GEWO works with top wood ply producers worldwide to select and test special wood veneers, ensuring optimal feel and consistent performance. The collaborative effort between GEWO's material developers and Alvaro Robles aims to achieve an ideal balance of speed, control, and dwell time, resulting in a blade that allows players to guide the ball with confidence even in critical moments.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Alvaro Robles
Alvaro Robles, the Spanish world-class player for whom this blade is named, uses it as his primary offensive weapon. He describes the blade as perfectly adjusted to his aggressive playing style but leaves nothing to be desired as regards feel. His style is characterized by aggressive, spin-oriented play, and he relies on the blade's ability to deliver both power and control. It allows him to execute powerful topspin loops, aggressive drives, and maintain excellent control in fast exchanges, making it a perfect match for his dynamic and attacking game.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper Wood
GEWO Alvaro Robles OFF is often compared to the Stiga Clipper Wood due to its 7-ply all-wood construction and similar offensive characteristics. Both blades are known for providing good speed and control, with a focus on feel and dwell time. The Clipper Wood is a classic choice for aggressive players, and our analysis suggests the Alvaro Robles OFF offers a comparable, if not superior, feel and balance, potentially with a slightly softer touch.