Weight
79.8g
Plies
5-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Stefan Feth Cross
Joola Stefan Feth Cross is an offensive table tennis blade developed with German player Stefan Feth, designed to balance speed and control. Its 5-ply all-wood construction uses Limba and Samba veneers, bonded with a specialized adhesive derived from aeroplane construction to enhance rigidity and speed while preserving feel. This design delivers increased power for aggressive mid-distance play while maintaining the delicate touch needed for effective short-game tactics. The blade offers a distinct, lively connection favored by many offensive players seeking a versatile weapon.
The blade features a symmetrical 5-ply all-wood construction. The outer plies are Limba, known for providing good feel and speed. The three inner plies are Samba, a softer wood that contributes to dwell time and control. A specialized adhesive bonds these layers to increase stiffness and speed.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Designed for offensive play, the Stefan Feth Cross delivers notable speed. The specialized adhesive hardens the 5-ply structure, enabling powerful shots, especially from mid-distance. While not the absolute fastest blade available, it offers a significant speed boost for an all-wood construction, giving players the pace needed for attacking rallies without sacrificing too much feel.
Despite its offensive nature, this blade maintains impressive control. The 5-ply construction and the softer Samba wood plies contribute to a good feel, allowing for precise placement and confident touch shots. The specialized glue helps preserve this control even as it increases the blade's speed, making it suitable for players who blend aggressive attacks with thoughtful, strategic play.
The blade provides an intense, direct feeling upon ball contact. The combination of Limba outer plies and the hardened adhesive creates a medium-hard feel that offers clear feedback without being overly stiff. This allows players to sense the ball well and make fine adjustments during play.
The combination of offensive speed and spin-oriented dwell time suggests a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for executing powerful topspin shots that clear the net with a good safety margin, making it effective for aggressive looping play.
With a medium dwell time rating, the blade strikes a balance suitable for both spin generation and speed. The softer Samba inner plies contribute to enough dwell for effective looping and shot control, while the overall construction prevents excessive dwell that could slow down offensive play.
Based on its speed rating and the description of a hardened glue construction, the blade leans toward the stiffer side of medium flexibility. This stiffness contributes to its offensive power, direct feel, and the solid impact characteristic of an attacking blade.
This blade transmits a significant amount of feedback, resulting in a high vibration rating. This lively feel is beneficial for sensing the ball and executing precise shots. The unique adhesive and wood combination likely contribute to this characteristic, providing a responsive and communicative playing experience.
The Stefan Feth Cross earns high marks for build quality and durability. It uses high-quality wood veneers and a robust specialized adhesive, resulting in a consistently well-constructed blade that holds up to regular play. Players report the blade remains in good condition over time, reinforcing its reputation for reliable craftsmanship.
Technology
The Joola Stefan Feth Cross incorporates a unique adhesive technology derived from aeroplane construction. This special glue bonds the five wood veneers, creating a harder, more rigid layup. The primary benefit is a significant increase in the blade's speed and stability without sacrificing control or the player's feel for the ball. This innovative bonding method elevates the performance of the classic 5-ply wood construction, enabling more powerful and direct strokes ideal for offensive players.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Stefan Feth
The blade was developed in collaboration with German player Stefan Feth. His involvement in the design indicates it aligns with his playing style, which is characterized by offensive play with a focus on speed and control, particularly from mid-distance. The blade's characteristics are tailored to suit his aggressive yet controlled approach to the game.
Similar Blades
JOOLA Sting
The JOOLA Sting is another offensive blade from the same brand that also receives high ratings for speed and control. While its construction likely differs, it is positioned as a comparable option for players seeking a fast and controlled offensive playing experience, making it a potential alternative to consider.