Weight
86g
Thickness
5.4mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Caldera AC
Hunter Caldera AC is an offensive table tennis blade built for players who want a powerful yet controlled game. Its unique construction places AC carbon between the middle and inner plies, creating a softer feel and longer dwell time that helps generate heavy spin. This design supports aggressive topspin attacks while maintaining enough touch for consistent placement and shots from all distances. It's a hybrid blade that delivers a dynamic, spin-focused experience ideal for offensive players looking to dominate rallies with precision and power.
The blade is built with seven plies in a symmetrical structure: two outer wood layers, two inner wood layers, a central wood core, and two layers of AC carbon positioned between the inner plies and the core. This 5-wood, 2-carbon sandwich is engineered to optimize dwell time and provide a softer playing feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
With a rating of 9.1, the Caldera AC is firmly in the offensive category, delivering the pace needed for powerful attacks. The combination of wood and inner AC carbon layers creates a potent, responsive feel that translates well into fast loops and drives, making it a strong weapon for players who like to dictate the point.
Despite its high speed, the blade maintains a respectable 6.8 control rating. The increased dwell time from the AC carbon placement gives players more time on the ball, aiding touch shots, precise placement, and controlled spin-oriented attacks. It offers a level of finesse that complements its offensive nature.
Caldera AC delivers a medium-soft feel, thanks to the inner carbon layers that dampen harsh vibrations and promote ball retention. The touch is comfortable and forgiving, providing clear feedback without being overly stiff or jarring on impact.
The blade produces a medium-high throw angle, which helps lift the ball over the net with heavy topspin. This is ideal for offensive players who rely on looping attacks, as it naturally aids in creating deep, arcing shots that pressure opponents.
Dwell time is a standout feature, rated at an 8. The inner AC carbon is specifically engineered to increase ball retention on the rubber, giving players more time to impart heavy spin and execute controlled strokes with greater consistency.
With a flexibility rating of 7, the blade offers a responsive, elastic feel. This slight flex aids in generating power from a fuller stroke and adds a touch of catapult effect, while still maintaining stability for blocking and direct hits.
Vibration is moderate, rated at a 6. The carbon layers absorb some of the impact shock, resulting in a feel that is neither too muted nor too buzzy. It strikes a good balance, offering enough feedback for touch while remaining comfortable during powerful hits.
The overall construction is solid, providing good performance. However, our testing shows the top wood plies can be susceptible to splintering if rubbers are removed and replaced repeatedly. Applying a protective sealant is a wise preventative measure to ensure the blade's longevity and maintain its playing characteristics.
Technology
Hunter Caldera AC utilizes proprietary AC carbon technology, where the carbon fiber is strategically sandwiched between the middle and inner wood plies. This inner placement is crucial—it enhances dwell time and creates a softer, more controlled feel compared to blades with outer carbon layers. The design focuses on improving ball retention for maximum spin generation, allowing offensive players to execute powerful, spin-heavy attacks with greater consistency. This technology is part of Hunter's legacy of blending advanced composite materials with premium wood construction for high-performance blades.
Similar Blades
Hunter Caldera ZC
Hunter Caldera ZC is the closest relative in the Caldera series. The 'ZC' likely denotes a different carbon fiber type or placement compared to the 'AC,' which would result in a nuanced shift in feel, vibration, or stiffness while maintaining a similar offensive, spin-oriented character.
Hunter Apex AC / ZC
Hunter Apex AC and ZC blades are other offensive options from the same brand, also featuring composite materials. They are often grouped with the Caldera series, suggesting a comparable performance tier aimed at players seeking power and spin, though the exact construction and playing nuances may differ.