Weight
90g
Thickness
6.6mm
Plies
7-ply
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Viva
Joola Viva is a 7-ply all-wood offensive blade, a modern homage to the legendary Rossi Viva. It masterfully balances speed and control with a distinct focus on generating heavy spin. The construction employs soft Limba and Samba spacer veneers, creating a controlled, looping-oriented game with a pronounced high throw angle. Perfect for players who love to attack from mid-distance or behind the table, it offers an accessible entry point into high-performance, spin-centric play without a premium price tag.
The blade features a symmetrical 7-ply all-wood construction. The outer layers are Limba, followed by Samba, with a wood core and inner plies. This specific layup with soft spacer veneers is designed to maximize spin potential and provide a controlled, high-throw looping game.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Joola Viva delivers solid offensive speed, particularly effective for spin-driven loops rather than flat power shots. The 7-ply wood construction provides a direct and responsive feel that translates well into accelerated attacks when you engage the blade fully. Players report it has enough pace for powerful loops from mid-distance, placing it firmly in the fast category for its all-wood class, ideal for an offensive, spin-focused strategy.
Control is where this blade truly excels. The soft wood veneers and 7-ply structure create excellent dwell time and a predictable, consistent response. This allows for precise ball placement, confident blocking, and controlled looping even at higher speeds. The high level of control makes it a reliable partner for players developing their offensive game or anyone who values consistency and tactical placement alongside their attacking power.
The soft Limba and Samba veneers give Joola Viva a medium-soft feel on contact. This provides ample dwell time, letting you feel the ball grip the rubber for spin generation. The seven plies add a supportive stiffness underneath, preventing it from feeling too soft and ensuring a balanced, tactile connection that is both forgiving and responsive.
Joola Viva is designed for a high throw angle, creating a pronounced arc on loops and topspin shots. This increased parabola makes spinny attacks more effective and harder for opponents to counter, perfectly suiting its identity as a controlled, looping-oriented offensive blade.
Dwell time is a standout feature. The specific 7-ply construction with soft spacer woods is engineered to maximize ball contact time. This extended dwell allows players to load the ball with heavy spin and provides a greater sense of control over the shot's trajectory, which is fundamental to its praised looping capabilities.
Joola Viva finds a sweet spot in flexibility. It has enough give to facilitate excellent dwell and spin generation for loops, yet the seven plies provide sufficient underlying stiffness to support powerful offensive drives and maintain stability in faster exchanges, resulting in a medium-flexible feel.
As a classic all-wood blade, it delivers a moderate level of vibration. This is generally viewed as a positive trait, providing clear, tactile feedback on ball impact that enhances a player's feel and connection to the game, without being overly harsh or muted.
Joola Viva is recognized for its high build quality, especially given its accessible price. As a faithful remake of a classic, it benefits from robust construction using quality Limba and Samba woods. Players note its durability and consistent performance over time, reinforcing its reputation as a blade that offers premium playing characteristics and solid craftsmanship without the premium cost.
Technology
Joola Viva champions traditional all-wood craftsmanship, engineered specifically for spin and control. This 7-ply design revives a legendary formula, utilizing soft spacer veneers like Limba and Samba. These woods are strategically placed to enhance dwell time and promote a high, spin-friendly throw angle, ideal for aggressive looping. The technology focuses on harnessing natural wood properties to deliver a tactile, connected feel, allowing players to precisely sense ball contact for heavy spin generation—all without composite materials, appealing to purists who love a classic, spin-dominant game.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Joerg Rosskopf
The blade's legacy is intrinsically tied to Joerg Rosskopf, the legendary German player known for his powerful all-around game. The original 'Rossi Viva' was named for him and was a key part of his equipment. The modern Viva remake aims to capture the spin and control characteristics that made the original a favorite among offensive players who value feel and tactical play.
Similar Blades
Stiga Clipper
Many players find the Stiga Clipper to be a direct peer to the Joola Viva. Both are iconic 7-ply all-wood offensive blades celebrated for their spin-friendly nature, solid control, and excellent value. They are often recommended as top choices for players developing a more aggressive, looping-oriented style from an all-round foundation.
Butterfly SK7
Players report the Butterfly SK7 shares a similar philosophy with the Joola Viva. As another 7-ply all-wood offensive blade, it offers comparable capabilities in spin generation and a high throw angle. Those who enjoy the Viva's feel might find the SK7 provides a slightly different but related playing experience within the same performance category.