Weight
90g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Challenger OFF
Joola Challenger OFF is a 5-ply all-wood offensive blade built for players who thrive on spin and a high ball trajectory. It combines Limba outer veneers for excellent feedback and spin generation with Ayous inner plies that add flexibility and a medium, elastic touch. This setup creates a well-balanced feel, offering enough speed for powerful attacks while maintaining impressive control for precise placement. It's an accessible and versatile choice for intermediate to advanced players looking to develop a spin-heavy attacking game without a steep price tag.
The blade uses a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. Limba forms the outer veneers for feel and spin, while Ayous makes up the inner plies and core, contributing flexibility and a medium, elastic touch that promotes a higher trajectory.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Joola Challenger OFF delivers medium-fast speed suitable for offensive play. It provides enough pace for effective attacking shots, especially for players who generate power through technique and spin. The rating reflects a thoughtful balance where the blade offers solid offensive capability without sacrificing the control needed for consistent rallying.
Control is a standout feature of this blade, consistently rated highly. It allows players to execute precise shots, place the ball accurately, and maintain consistency even during fast, aggressive rallies. This high level of control perfectly complements its offensive nature, giving players confidence to attack without fear of over-hitting.
The Ayous inner veneers create an elastic effect and medium touch, resulting in a balanced feel. This provides good feedback during ball contact, which aids significantly in spin generation and precise shot placement.
The combination of Limba and Ayous woods, along with its spin-oriented design, creates a medium-high throw angle. This is excellent for looping and clearing the net with a good safety margin, while still allowing for aggressive, flatter hits when needed.
The blade's construction, particularly the Ayous inner plies, facilitates good dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade surface slightly, enabling players to impart more spin and have better control over their shots, especially during loops and touch play.
With moderate flex, this blade allows for good energy transfer during strokes, particularly when generating spin. It's neither overly stiff nor too whippy, offering a responsive feel that supports both power and touch shots effectively.
As a 5-ply all-wood blade, Joola Challenger OFF delivers a medium level of vibration. Players feel clear ball contact without excessive harshness, providing good tactile feedback that supports control and stroke adjustment.
Joola Challenger OFF offers very good value for its price point. The use of quality woods like Limba and Ayous, commonly found in well-regarded blades, suggests a decent level of build quality. Players report it as an impressive complete package considering the cost, with reliable construction that holds up well over time.
Technology
Joola Challenger OFF is part of JOOLA's Progressive Line, designed to offer accessible playability for players ready to advance their game. It utilizes a straightforward 5-ply all-wood construction with Limba outer veneers for enhanced touch and feedback, and Ayous inner veneers for flexibility and a medium feel. This traditional approach aims to deliver a balanced blend of speed, control, and spin for an attacking style at an attractive price point, making advanced play characteristics more accessible.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Aruna Quadri
While Aruna Quadri is a sponsored JOOLA player with blades named after him, direct evidence of him using the Joola Challenger OFF is not confirmed. However, his powerful attacking style, which emphasizes breaking tempo and taking the ball late, aligns well with the spin-friendly, offensive characteristics of the Challenger OFF.
Similar Blades
Joola Challenger ALL
Joola Challenger ALL is part of the same series and shares the Limba outer veneers, suggesting a similar feel and spin emphasis. However, it's designed for a more all-round game with greater focus on control and a potentially lower throw angle compared to the OFF version, making it suitable for players who want more versatility from their blade.
Joola Challenger Carbon
Joola Challenger Carbon is a distinct blade within the series that incorporates carbon fiber layers. This construction typically increases speed and creates a stiffer feel, offering a noticeably different playing experience compared to the all-wood Challenger OFF. It's noted for its inner-layer carbon construction designed for higher dynamics and a faster game.