Weight
85g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Radix Express
ITC Radix Express is a high-performance blade built for aggressive topspin play, delivering a compelling mix of speed, control, and feel. Its 5+2 ply construction features RX Carbon layers beneath a premium Hinoki outer ply, creating a dynamic and lively response for powerful shots while maintaining excellent touch. This design excels at generating significant spin and speed, making it a top choice for players who rely on consistent, attacking offense with nuanced ball control.
The construction consists of 5 wood plies and 2 RX Carbon layers. The RX Carbon is placed directly beneath the outer Hinoki ply, with the exact placement of the other wood layers designed to provide a balance of speed, flex, and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
ITC Radix Express is rated as an OFF+ blade, indicating very high speed capabilities suitable for aggressive attacking play and powerful topspin shots. It delivers explosive power that rivals other top-tier offensive blades, making it ideal for players who want to dominate rallies with fast, heavy attacks.
Despite its high speed, Radix Express offers exceptional control, allowing players to execute precise shots and maintain consistency during aggressive rallies. The blade's unique feel, often described as letting the ball 'stick' momentarily, greatly aids in controlling placement and spin, providing confidence in both placement and touch shots.
Radix Express offers a unique feel that is medium-hard with a soft, silky touch. This provides a satisfying connection with the ball, allowing players to accurately sense spin and trajectory. The RX Carbon contributes to this balanced, responsive sensation.
The combination of materials and construction produces a medium-high throw angle, which is ideal for aggressive topspin shots and looping from various distances. This helps in generating effective arc and clearance over the net during offensive play.
Dwell time is medium to long, facilitated by the RX Carbon and Hinoki construction. This allows for more spin to be imparted on the ball and contributes to the blade's excellent control and feel, making it easier to engage the ball effectively during topspin exchanges.
Flexibility is rated as medium-stiff, offering a good balance between power transfer and feel. This stiffness allows for effective power shots and solid blocks while maintaining enough give for controlled touch play and spin generation.
The blade produces a medium level of vibration that is well-managed by the composite layers. This controlled vibration provides valuable feedback on ball contact without being overly harsh or distracting, enhancing the overall playing experience.
Build quality is consistently rated as excellent, with a premium feel and durable construction. The integration of the Hinoki top ply and RX Carbon layers is executed with precision, resulting in a blade that feels solid and reliable in hand, meeting the expectations of serious players.
Technology
ITC Radix Express features an advanced 5+2 ply construction with RX Carbon fiber layers strategically placed beneath the outer Hinoki ply. This 'outer-fiber' design aims to deliver potent offensive capabilities. RX Carbon is an improved version of Arylate/Aramid Carbon, offering higher energy efficiency and a more natural feel with reduced bending deflection and increased elasticity. The premium Hinoki top ply enhances touch and control, contributing to the characteristic 'sticky' feel and ability to produce powerful, continuous topspin shots.
Similar Blades
Adidas Radix Express
ITC Radix Express is essentially the successor to the Adidas Radix Express, developed by the same group. They share very similar construction and playing characteristics, with the ITC version potentially offering slight refinements. Players familiar with the Adidas version typically find the ITC version equally enjoyable.
Butterfly Photino
Some players find ITC Radix Express has a similar feel to the Butterfly Photino, but with a slightly harder sensation and more solid hitting capacity, making it particularly suitable for powerful smashes and counter-attacks.