Weight
88g
Thickness
6mm
Plies
5-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
DANUBE
Joola DANUBE is a classic 5-ply all-wood blade that delivers a compelling balance of speed and control, making it a favorite for players developing an offensive game. Its Limba, Spruce, and Ayous wood construction provides a lively, responsive feel with good dwell time for spin generation. You'll notice a distinct, crisp sound on powerful shots, a hallmark of its quality build. This blade offers consistent performance and accessible power, ideal for intermediate players looking to enhance their looping and fast attacks without sacrificing touch.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply construction. It starts with an outer layer of Limba wood, followed by a layer of Spruce, a core of Ayous wood, another layer of Spruce, and finishes with an outer layer of Limba. This classic stack is known for producing a balanced feel with good dwell time and accessible power.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Joola DANUBE delivers impressive speed for an all-wood construction, rated at 8.5. The combination of Limba, Spruce, and Ayous wood creates a lively, springy response that provides ample power for fast attacks and aggressive loops. While it doesn't use composite materials, its design efficiently transfers energy, making it a capable offensive tool for players who like to dictate the pace.
Joola DANUBE excels in precision and feel. The 5-ply wood construction offers comfortable dwell time and consistent feedback, allowing for accurate shot placement and controlled looping. This high level of manageability makes it suitable for players who want to play offensively without sacrificing the ability to place the ball exactly where they intend.
Joola DANUBE provides a medium-hard feel, offering a satisfying balance between ball feedback and firm power transfer. It gives enough sensation for touch shots and control while remaining solid and direct for powerful offensive strokes, avoiding any overly stiff or mushy sensations.
The throw angle is medium-high, which helps create a good arc on loops and topspin shots. This makes it easier to clear the net consistently and land the ball deep on the table, a valuable trait for players who rely on spin and aggressive, high-arcing attacks.
The dwell time is rated as very good at 8.5. The 5-ply wood construction allows the ball to sink into the blade slightly, giving players extra time to impart spin on loops and serves. This characteristic is a key reason for its effectiveness in spin-oriented, attacking play.
With a flexibility rating of 5.0, Joola DANUBE sits in the medium range. It strikes a balance between the stiffness needed for direct power and the flex beneficial for control and spin generation. This makes it adaptable and forgiving, suitable for a wide range of offensive techniques.
Vibration is moderate at a rating of 7.0. The blade produces a characteristic, crisp 'ring' on impact, providing clear feedback without being harsh or uncomfortable. The wood composition effectively absorbs enough shock for a pleasant playing experience while still communicating useful information about the shot.
Joola DANUBE earns an excellent quality rating of 9.0, reflecting its consistent build, durability, and reliable performance. The blade is known for its solid construction and satisfying playing experience, holding up well over time. This high rating indicates it's a trustworthy piece of equipment that players can depend on for consistent feel and response.
Technology
Joola DANUBE employs a classic 5-ply all-wood construction technology. This design leverages the specific natural properties of different wood veneers—Limba, Spruce, and Ayous—arranged in a specific sequence to achieve a targeted performance profile. By forgoing carbon or other synthetic fibers, it delivers a traditional, pure wood feel that many players appreciate. The technology focuses on creating a harmonious balance where the outer Limba provides feel and control, the Spruce layers add liveliness and bounce, and the thick Ayous core contributes stability and power from deeper in the stroke.
Similar Blades
Stiga Infinity VPS V
Joola DANUBE is often compared to the Stiga Infinity VPS V due to their identical 5-ply wood construction (Limba-Spruce-Ayous-Spruce-Limba). Both blades aim for a similar balance of speed, control, and dwell time, making them excellent for looping and fast attack play. Our analysis shows the DANUBE serves as a more budget-friendly alternative that delivers remarkably comparable performance characteristics.
Tibhar Lebesson
Players report that Joola DANUBE can be considered a more affordable alternative to the Tibhar Lebesson blade, suggesting a similar playing profile suited for topspin-oriented games. Both are noted for their lively, responsive feel and characteristic acoustic feedback on impact, making them suitable for offensive-minded players seeking a traditional wood sensation.