Weight
70g
Thickness
7.4mm
Plies
5-ply
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Calculus Balsa 20
Nimatsu Calculus Balsa 20 is a lightweight table tennis blade designed for players who prioritize exceptional control and feel. Its construction pairs a Balsa core with Koto outer plies, delivering a soft touch and ample dwell time ideal for spin-oriented topspin and precise placement. While its low weight offers excellent maneuverability, it may lack the raw power for aggressive mid-distance play. This well-balanced blade presents a classic aesthetic, making it a strong choice for all-round players focused on touch and spin.
The blade is built with five wood layers. Koto outer plies provide a direct feel and surface hardness, while the central Balsa core is responsible for the blade's signature lightness, soft touch, and vibration dampening. The unspecified wood layers likely contribute to the blade's overall stability and flex characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nimatsu Calculus Balsa 20 offers enough pace for controlled attacks but sits on the slower side of offensive blades. Our testing shows it provides sufficient speed for close-to-the-table play but lacks the explosive power for aggressive mid-distance rallies. The design clearly prioritizes control and predictability over raw acceleration, making it better suited for placement and spin than for overpowering opponents.
Control is the defining strength of this blade. Its design emphasizes feel and predictability, allowing for accurate ball placement and confident execution of various strokes. Players report exceptional command, making it easy to direct shots precisely where intended. This high level of control builds confidence, especially in touch shots and during strategic rallies.
Players consistently describe a soft, comfortable feel attributed to the Balsa core. This provides clear ball feedback, which is crucial for developing touch and enhancing spin sensitivity. The blade feels forgiving on impact, making it pleasant for extended practice sessions.
The combination of Koto outer plies, Balsa core, and the blade's flexibility produces a medium-high throw angle. This arc is ideal for looping and lifting the ball with good clearance over the net, supporting a spin-oriented attacking style.
The soft feel and Balsa core construction contribute to a notably long ball dwell time. This extended contact is highly beneficial for generating heavy spin on serves, loops, and brush strokes, giving players more time to impart rotation.
Nimatsu Calculus Balsa 20 offers a moderate level of flexibility that aids in spin generation and provides a pleasant, responsive feeling on impact. It bends enough to create a catapult effect for loops without feeling overly stiff or uncontrollably whippy.
Thanks to the vibration-dampening properties of the Balsa core, this blade transmits very little shock to the hand. The low vibration makes it exceptionally comfortable for long playing sessions, reducing fatigue and allowing for a relaxed grip.
Nimatsu Calculus Balsa 20 is praised for its solid build quality and satisfying playing feel. The effective material combination delivers good performance for its intended purpose, offering a strong value proposition. The craftsmanship results in a reliable blade that performs consistently, providing a pleasant tactile experience with each shot.
Technology
Nimatsu Calculus Balsa 20 employs a specialized construction that pairs the lightness and cushioning of a Balsa wood core with the responsive, direct feel of Koto outer plies. This engineering maximizes ball dwell time and provides exceptional tactile feedback, allowing players to intimately feel the ball's interaction with the rubber. The design philosophy prioritizes control, spin generation, and player comfort over raw power, making it ideal for players whose game relies on finesse, precision, and touch.
Similar Blades
Yasaka Battle Balsa
Yasaka Battle Balsa is another balsa-core blade celebrated for its lightweight feel and strong control. Similar to the Nimatsu, it offers a comfortable, tactile experience and suits players who prioritize touch and maneuverability. While the Battle Balsa aims to address the typical slowness of balsa blades, it retains the characteristic feel and light weight that make this construction appealing for all-round, control-focused play.
Victas Black Balsa 7.0
Victas Black Balsa 7.0 is a thicker, faster balsa blade designed for more offensive play. It shares the balsa core with the Nimatsu but delivers significantly more power and speed, catering to players who enjoy the balsa feel but demand greater offensive capability. Nimatsu Calculus Balsa 20 serves as a more controlled and feel-oriented alternative to the powerful Victas model.