Weight
87.5g
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Markovic
JOOLA Markovic is a 7-ply hybrid blade built for offensive players seeking a powerful yet controlled weapon. Its unique construction layers Hinoki, Koto, and Ayous woods with carbon to create a stiff, responsive feel with an enlarged sweet spot. Players report excellent weight distribution and a direct, crisp touch that excels in aggressive topspin rallies and powerful drives, making it a favorite for those who want immediate feedback and precision.
This symmetrical 7-ply stack places carbon layers between wood veneers. Starting from the outside: Hinoki provides touch, Koto adds crispness, then carbon for stiffness and power, Ayous forms the elastic core, followed by another carbon layer, and finally Koto and Hinoki again. This creates a stiff, responsive structure aimed at boosting speed while maintaining control and feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Markovic generates significant speed, ideal for offensive strategies. The 7-ply build with carbon layers provides a stiff, powerful platform that accelerates the ball quickly during drives and loops. Players find it excels in fast rallies, offering a crisp, direct response that translates player power efficiently into ball speed.
Despite its power, Markovic maintains impressive control. The thoughtful material combination—Hinoki for touch, carbon for stability—creates a predictable, precise feel. This allows for accurate placement and confident spin generation, even during high-speed exchanges, making it a reliable choice for aggressive players who value accuracy.
Markovic provides a direct, crisp, and responsive feel. The construction yields a firm touch that some describe as hard, offering immediate feedback with minimal cushioning. This medium-hard character appeals to advanced players who prefer a clear, unfiltered connection to the ball.
Markovic produces a medium-high throw angle, suitable for aggressive topspin play. This trajectory helps in lifting the ball with power and arc, making it effective for looping over the table and from mid-distance.
The Hinoki outer plies contribute to a medium dwell time, aiding spin generation. While the carbon layers and stiffness promote a quicker release, the blade still provides enough grip on the ball for effective brushing and looping techniques.
This is a relatively stiff blade. The 7-ply build with carbon reinforcement minimizes flex, creating a solid, stable hitting platform. This stiffness enhances power and directness but reduces the catapult effect found in more flexible blades.
Vibration is moderately dampened. The carbon layers absorb some shock, resulting in a direct feel that isn't overly harsh. Players receive clear feedback without excessive buzz, striking a good balance between sensation and comfort.
Craftsmanship on the Markovic is consistently praised. The quality of the wood veneers and construction results in a solid, well-finished blade with excellent feel. Many players note the materials and build quality become more appreciable over time, reflecting its status as a premium, professional-grade piece of equipment.
Technology
JOOLA Markovic utilizes a 7-ply composite construction that integrates two carbon fiber layers between wood veneers. This design enhances stiffness and enlarges the sweet spot for increased power and consistency. The specific wood selection—Hinoki for dwell time and feel, Koto for crispness, and Ayous for elasticity—works synergistically with the carbon to create a responsive, feedback-rich blade optimized for offensive play, offering a unique balance of speed, control, and tactile sensation.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Rade Markovic
This blade was developed in collaboration with and named for Rade Markovic, a significant figure in table tennis. While detailed public records of his match usage are sparse, the blade's design philosophy reflects an aggressive, offensive playing style characterized by powerful strokes and precise placement, tailored to the demands of professional play.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Timo Boll Spirit
Many players find the Markovic offers a comparable or enhanced experience to the Timo Boll Spirit. Both blades provide an excellent balance of speed and control for offensive play. The Markovic, with its hybrid construction, may deliver a more direct feel and pronounced power, while the all-wood Timo Boll Spirit is known for its classic, balanced feedback. They serve as strong alternatives for players seeking a high-performance offensive blade.