Weight
90g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Head-Heavy
Acoustic Carbon
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon masterfully blends the warm, natural feel of traditional wood with the added speed and power of carbon fiber. Inspired by string instrument manufacturing, this offensive blade offers a unique playing experience characterized by excellent ball feedback and control, even during aggressive attacks. Its 7-ply construction features a 5-ply wood core reinforced with two inner layers of FE Carbon, resulting in a slightly stiffer feel than all-wood blades that enables powerful shots with a controlled trajectory. Ideal for players seeking a responsive blade with a satisfying touch, it provides a harmonious balance for a dynamic, close-to-the-table game.
Acoustic Carbon features a 5-ply wood core (Limba, Limba, Tung, Limba, Limba) with two layers of FE Carbon sandwiched between the outer and inner wood plies. This 'inner carbon' construction aims to provide a softer feel and better ball dwell while still delivering the speed and power associated with carbon reinforcement. The FE Carbon is noted as being softer and less bouncy than conventional carbon fiber.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon is rated as a mid-fast to fast blade, offering a significant speed increase over traditional all-wood blades. While not as fast as some extreme carbon models, it provides ample power for offensive play, particularly for close-to-the-table attacks and drives. Our testing shows it has solid speed reserves for mid-distance play as well, making it a dynamic choice for attackers.
Despite its offensive capabilities, Acoustic Carbon is praised for its excellent control, a trait attributed to its wood-based construction and inner carbon placement. It offers linear power and predictability, making it easier to manage than many faster carbon blades. This allows for precise shot-making in both offensive and defensive situations, giving players confidence during rallies.
Acoustic Carbon offers a unique feel that bridges the gap between all-wood blades and typical carbon models. It provides a hard, crisp impact with good vibration dampening, yet retains a noticeable 'woody' sensation and good ball dwell. This allows players to feel the ball's contact with the racket, which is often lost in stiffer composite blades.
Acoustic Carbon typically offers a medium to medium-high throw angle, which is beneficial for generating spin on topspin shots. This allows for good clearance over the net and effective attacking play, particularly when looping against backspin or driving through flat shots.
The inclusion of Limba outer plies and the inner carbon construction contribute to a respectable dwell time, allowing for good spin generation on slower to medium-powered strokes. This helps in producing heavy topspins and controlling the ball effectively in the short game.
The blade is described as relatively stiff due to the carbon layers, but still offers some flexibility, particularly when striking the ball firmly. This balance allows for both powerful drives and controlled looping, with a preference for close-to-the-table play where quick reactions are essential.
While it features carbon, Acoustic Carbon is noted for its moderate vibration levels, contributing to its controlled feel and making it less jarring than some other carbon blades. Some players describe it as having a 'loud' sound, which translates to lively but manageable feedback during play.
Nittaku blades are renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship, and Acoustic Carbon is no exception. The construction, inspired by string instrument manufacturing, results in a well-balanced blade with a smooth finish and excellent durability. Players consistently report a premium feel and build quality that stands up to rigorous play.
Technology
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon utilizes 'String Instrument Manufacturing Technology,' a proprietary lamination process originally developed for crafting high-quality musical instruments. This technique is applied to the wood veneers, aiming to enhance the blade's feel, elasticity, and resonance. The integration of FE Carbon layers, placed directly under the top Limba veneer, is designed to add speed and power without sacrificing the natural wood sensation and control. This 'inner carbon' placement differentiates it from blades with outer carbon plies, offering a softer impact and greater ball dwell time while maintaining offensive capabilities.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Mima Ito
Mima Ito, a prominent Japanese table tennis player, has a signature blade based on Nittaku Acoustic Carbon called 'Nittaku Mima Ito Carbon.' This blade is described as being identical in construction and specifications, with only cosmetic differences. Ito's aggressive topspin attacks close to the table align perfectly with Acoustic Carbon's blend of speed, control, and feel. The blade's ability to generate spin and provide consistent feedback is crucial for her precise offensive maneuvers and dynamic playing style.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Butterfly Viscaria is frequently compared to Acoustic Carbon due to similar construction and offensive capabilities. Both blades offer a blend of speed and control popular among attacking players. While Viscaria uses Arylate-Carbon (ALC) layers, Acoustic Carbon uses FE Carbon. TTSensei experts note that Viscaria tends to be more flexible with an elastic feel, whereas Acoustic Carbon is stiffer and offers a more pronounced woody sensation that some players prefer for its touch and feedback. Both are considered excellent all-round offensive choices.
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon Inner
Nittaku Acoustic Carbon Inner is an 'inner fiber' version that positions the FE Carbon layers deeper within the wood construction, closer to the core Tung wood. This typically results in a softer feel, longer dwell time, and increased control compared to the standard Acoustic Carbon, while still offering enhanced speed over the original all-wood Acoustic. Players seeking a softer touch and more forgiving nature might prefer this inner version for its added dwell and slightly reduced stiffness.