Weight
81g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Flame Low
Joola Flame Low is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade built for players who prioritize exceptional control and a classic feel. Its oversized head is surprisingly lightweight, offering excellent maneuverability for blocks and loops. The blade incorporates JOOLA's BURNtechnology, where outer veneers are heated over 200°C to enhance stiffness, warp resistance, and control. Developed with input from top defenders Tatjana Kostromina and Chen Weixing, it provides a stable platform for secure defensive play and well-timed counter-attacks, making it an ideal foundation for developing a precise, touch-oriented game.
The construction is a symmetrical 5-ply build. Outer layers are Limba, known for good control and touch. These sandwich what is described as a 'Black Cloth' layer, likely a wood-based composite intended to enhance stiffness and stability as part of the BURNtechnology. The core is a thicker Kiri veneer, contributing to the blade's lightweight feel and dwell time.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Flame Low operates at a moderately fast pace, leaning toward the slower end for offensive play. This speed profile is ideal for defensive maneuvers like chopping and blocking, while still providing enough pace for controlled topspin attacks. The BURNtechnology and Limba outer plies create a feel that balances usable speed with excellent touch, making it predictable for strategic play.
Control is the defining characteristic of this blade. Its exceptional rating enables precise shot placement, effective blocking, and aggressive chopping. The 5-ply all-wood construction and BURNtechnology provide a stable platform with a large sweet spot, minimizing errors and maximizing consistency. Players report feeling a high degree of confidence during defensive rallies and when executing controlled attacks.
Flame Low offers a comfortable, medium-soft feel. The all-wood construction, with Limba outer plies and a Kiri core, provides a sensitive and forgiving touch. BURNtechnology adds stiffness without removing the inherent, pleasant feedback of wood, giving players good sensation during strokes.
Flame Low likely produces a medium-high throw angle, which assists in looping and lifting defensive shots with good arc. This trait supports controlled attacking play while still allowing for flatter trajectories on direct counter-attacks when needed.
This blade provides a long dwell time, which is typical for 5-ply all-wood defensive designs. The extended contact allows players to impart significant spin on serves and loops, and provides ample time for precise placement of defensive shots like chops and blocks.
The blade offers a balanced, moderate level of flexibility. This is characteristic of a 5-ply all-wood control blade, allowing for good dwell time and spin generation. The structure provides enough give for touch shots, while the BURNtechnology contributes underlying stiffness for stable blocks and drives.
Vibration is medium-low. While BURNtechnology enhances stiffness for a solid feel, it also works to minimize unwanted vibrations. This results in cleaner ball contact and a more controlled, direct feedback that many defenders prefer.
Flame Low demonstrates good manufacturing quality. The BURNtechnology process is designed to ensure a warp-free blade with excellent stiffness and durability. Our testing shows solid construction and consistent performance across the playing surface, which is a hallmark of reliable equipment for serious players.
Technology
Joola Flame Low incorporates the proprietary BURNtechnology. This innovative process heats the outer wood veneers to over 200°C in a controlled kiln. The aim is to remove moisture, enhance wood stability, and create a virtually warp-free blade with increased stiffness and durability. This technology is designed to improve control and deliver a consistent playing experience. The blade may also feature WSI (Wing Shaft Integration) technology, intended to increase stability by merging the handle into the blade structure for added comfort and a solid feel.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Tatjana Kostromina
Tatjana Kostromina was instrumental in developing Flame Low. As an international top player for JOOLA, her expertise in European defensive strategies helped fine-tune the blade's focus on control, dwell time, and effective chops and blocks. Her input ensures the blade is suited for players who want a solid defensive foundation with reliable offensive capabilities.
Chen Weixing
Renowned defender Chen Weixing collaborated closely on the Flame Low's development. His experience at the highest level guided the design toward optimal control, feel, and consistency for defensive maneuvers. The blade's balanced nature and ability to facilitate secure defense followed by controlled attacks are a direct reflection of his significant contributions.
Similar Blades
Joola Chen Weixing
The Joola Chen Weixing blade is another excellent option for players seeking high-control defensive equipment. Also developed with Chen Weixing, it shares a defensive philosophy but is often described as a 7-ply construction, which may offer a slightly different feel and potentially more inherent power compared to the 5-ply Flame Low. It's a great comparison for players who appreciate the defensive concept but want to explore a different structural approach.
Joola Flame Medium
Joola Flame Medium is a direct sibling to the Flame Low, sharing the same BURNtechnology and design lineage. As the name suggests, it is positioned as a slightly faster blade, aiming for a better balance between control and offensive capability. Players who find the Flame Low too defensive but still value the BURNtechnology feel might consider the Flame Medium as a logical step up in speed while retaining good touch.