Weight
88g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
162x160
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Head-Heavy
Chen Weixing
Joola Chen Weixing CWX is a professional blade crafted in collaboration with legendary defensive player Chen Weixing. This 7-ply hybrid blade masterfully blends control for chopping with speed for offensive topspins. Its unique construction features Limba and Koto outer plies, black carbon mesh layers, and a Kiri core, creating a medium-soft feel with excellent stability. Designed for the modern defender, it offers a generous oversized sweet spot, making it ideal for players who want to dominate from the back of the table while retaining a sharp attacking threat.
The blade is built with seven distinct layers in a symmetrical arrangement. It starts with an outer Limba layer for feel, followed by Koto, then a black carbon mesh layer for stability. The core is Kiri wood, which is then mirrored with another carbon layer, Koto, and finally the outer Limba, creating a balanced and controlled structure.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
CWX delivers a medium to medium-fast pace, offering more than enough power for offensive shots while remaining manageable for defensive play. The integrated carbon layers provide a noticeable boost, allowing for powerful counter-loops and fast serves without sacrificing the control needed for a defensive foundation.
Control is where this blade truly shines, offering exceptional precision and feel. The construction provides outstanding stability for blocking and chopping, giving you confidence in ball placement. You get superb feedback on touch shots, allowing for delicate drops and controlled pushes close to the net.
The feel is medium-soft, offering a pleasant blend of feedback and cushioning. You get a sensitive touch that communicates ball contact clearly, which is ideal for finesse shots, while still having enough firmness to feel connected during powerful strokes.
It produces a medium-high throw angle, which is excellent for creating arc on defensive chops and adding deception to serves. This higher trajectory also helps in generating substantial topspin on looping attacks from mid-distance.
Dwell time is notably good, a key trait for defensive and spin-oriented play. The blade holds the ball on the rubber slightly longer, giving you more time to impart heavy spin on loops and chops, and enhancing control over shot trajectory.
Flexibility is moderate, offering a helpful catapult effect for serves and loops while maintaining the stability needed for controlled blocks and chops. This balance supports a dynamic playing style that switches between defense and offense seamlessly.
Vibration is moderate, striking a good balance. The carbon layers help dampen harsh vibrations, while the wood plies allow enough feedback to reach your hand, providing useful sensory information without being overly buzzy or numb.
Craftsmanship is generally very good, with precise layer construction and well-finished handles that offer a comfortable, secure grip. However, the blade can be somewhat fragile, particularly on the edges, so careful handling is advised to avoid damage from accidental table contact.
Technology
Joola Chen Weixing CWX utilizes a sophisticated 5+2 ply construction with specialized black carbon mesh layers. These fiber layers are strategically placed within the wood stack to enhance structural rigidity and control without making the blade overly stiff. Combined with the tactile Limba and Koto outer plies and a resilient Kiri wood core, this technology creates a blade that supports a modern defensive style—offering the dwell time and feel for chopping alongside the stability and rebound for aggressive topspin play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Chen Weixing
The blade is the signature model of Chen Weixing, one of Europe's most successful modern defensive players. It is engineered to reflect his dynamic style, which blends relentless chopping with sudden, powerful forehand topspin attacks from mid-distance. His use underscores the blade's capability to excel in both precise defensive maneuvers and explosive offensive transitions.
Similar Blades
Stiga Defensive NCT
The Stiga Defensive NCT is another high-end defensive blade known for its excellent feel and control. While it serves a similar purpose, TTSensei experts note it may offer a slightly different, perhaps more nuanced, tactile feedback. It's a consideration for players exploring top-tier defensive options.
Joo Se Hyuk
Compared to the Joo Se Hyuk blade, the Chen Weixing CWX generally provides a softer, more forgiving feel with less overall stiffness. Both are designed for modern defenders, but the CWX might appeal to players seeking a blade with a more pronounced touch and slightly greater dwell time for spin generation.