Barwell Fleet

Weight

88g

Thickness

6.1mm

Plies

9-ply

Head Size

158x151

Handles

FL / ST

Material

Hybrid

Head Shape

Standard

Balance

Balanced

Nittaku

Barwell Fleet

Japan

Nittaku Barwell Fleet is a premium offensive blade crafted in Japan for advanced players seeking a powerful yet controlled game. Its 7-ply wood core is reinforced with two inner glass fiber layers, creating a hybrid construction that delivers a crisp, medium-hard feel with excellent vibration dampening. This design provides a versatile performance profile, excelling in powerful drives and loops while maintaining precision for delicate shots. Renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, it offers a reliable and consistent playing experience that bridges traditional wood feel with modern composite speed.

9-Ply Construction

The blade features a 9-ply construction. It has an outer face of Walnut, followed by a layer of Glass Fiber, a core of five wood plies, another Glass Fiber layer, and finishes with a final Walnut outer ply. This sandwich design combines the tactile properties of wood with the reinforcing effect of fibers.

TT Sensei Ratings

Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics

Speed
9.2

Barwell Fleet delivers high-speed performance suitable for offensive play, with most evaluations placing it in the fast category. The combination of a 7-ply wood core and two glass fiber layers creates a powerful, responsive blade that excels in aggressive shots. While some players might perceive it as medium-fast, the consensus confirms its capability to generate significant pace, making it ideal for players looking to dominate rallies with speed and power.

Control
8.0

Despite its offensive nature, Barwell Fleet offers strong control, creating a forgiving and balanced playing experience. Many players find it provides excellent command for its speed level, making it accessible for intermediate players while still offering precision for advanced techniques. This balance allows for confident shot placement and consistent performance, ensuring that power does not come at the expense of accuracy during fast exchanges or touch play.

Feel
Medium-Hard
SoftMedium-HardHard

Barwell Fleet provides a medium-hard feel, primarily due to the glass fiber layers that add stiffness. However, it retains a pleasant crispness and a degree of softness in touch play, creating a clear connection with the ball. This duality offers good feedback without feeling overly rigid or dead, allowing players to sense ball contact effectively during both powerful and delicate strokes.

Throw Angle
Medium-High
LowMedium-HighHigh

Barwell Fleet typically produces a medium-high throw angle, particularly beneficial for looping and creating aggressive, arcing shots. This characteristic helps players easily clear the net and apply pressure with deep, spin-heavy returns. The combination of speed and this elevated trajectory makes it effective for offensive strategies built around topspin and power.

Dwell Time
7.5

This blade offers good dwell time, especially when paired with suitable rubbers, which supports effective spin generation on loops and controlled shots. The construction allows for sufficient ball contact to impart spin, making it versatile for players who rely on topspin attacks. The balance between the wood core and fiber layers creates a responsive pocketing effect that aids in spin production.

Flexibility
4.5

The blade exhibits a medium level of flexibility. While the glass fiber layers contribute stiffness for power, the 7-ply wood construction allows for a controlled flex that aids dwell time and spin generation. This balance prevents the blade from feeling too rigid, making it adaptable for a variety of strokes, from powerful drives to brush loops.

Vibration
4.0

Barwell Fleet is designed with effective vibration control, resulting in a comfortable and less jarring playing experience. The combination of wood and glass fiber layers dampens excessive feedback upon ball contact, providing a clear feel without disruptive shock. This managed vibration level allows for better ball sensation and reduces player fatigue during extended sessions.

Quality
9.5

Crafted in Japan, Barwell Fleet is recognized for its exceptional build quality and premium craftsmanship. The blade exhibits meticulous manufacturing, with perfect construction and durable materials that ensure long-term performance. This high standard of quality is a consistent highlight, providing players with a reliable piece of equipment that feels solid and well-made from the first touch.

Technology

Nittaku Barwell Fleet utilizes a hybrid construction featuring a 7-ply wood core enhanced with two inner layers of glass fiber. This technology aims to optimize performance by merging the natural feel and vibration-dampening qualities of wood with the increased power, speed, and structural stiffness provided by the synthetic fibers. The strategic placement of the glass fiber layers is designed to control vibration while amplifying speed and spin potential, making the blade well-suited for modern, offensive table tennis that demands both touch and explosive power.

Similar Blades

Nittaku Ludeack Fleet

Nittaku Ludeack Fleet is a close relative, often compared for its similar hybrid construction and offensive character. TTSensei experts note that the Ludeack Fleet may have a slightly thicker top layer and could offer a touch more raw power, while the Barwell Fleet might feel a bit harder on contact. Both are esteemed as high-end looping blades with good dwell time, providing players with premium offensive options from Nittaku's lineup.

Butterfly Viscaria

Butterfly Viscaria is a frequent point of comparison as a benchmark hybrid offensive blade. Both are designed for speed, spin, and controlled power. The key difference lies in the composite material: Viscaria uses Arylate-Carbon (ALC), whereas Barwell Fleet uses glass fiber. This leads to distinct feel and vibration profiles. Many players find Barwell Fleet retains a more wood-like sensation despite its composite layers, offering a different tactile experience for players considering a switch from carbon-based blades.