Weight
95g
Thickness
7mm
Plies
6-ply
Head Size
160x154
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Goriki Super Drive
Nittaku Goriki Super Drive is a 6-ply all-wood offensive blade designed by Nittaku advisor Dr. Rokuro Sakuma. It combines outer walnut plies with inner Kiso Hinoki cypress layers, creating a rigid and stable platform. With a larger-than-standard head size and notable weight, it delivers substantial power for drives and loops while maintaining excellent control. This blade is crafted in Japan for players who value a direct, powerful response and a medium feel that supports both aggressive attacks and solid defensive play.
The blade features a symmetrical 6-ply construction with thin outer layers of walnut sandwiching four inner plies of Kiso Hinoki cypress. The inner Hinoki plies are arranged with specific grain orientations—some perpendicular to others—creating a complex internal structure that contributes to the blade's unique stiffness and playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Goriki Super Drive delivers a mid-fast speed, placing it in the low OFF- category. It generates good power through its rigid construction and substantial weight, but isn't among the absolute fastest blades. Our testing shows players achieve best results by using the blade's inherent wood power rather than relying solely on rubber speed for acceleration.
Control is a standout feature, with players consistently praising its precision and stability. The blade's weight and rigid construction create a solid platform that allows for accurate placement and reliable blocking, even during powerful offensive shots. This makes it exceptionally easy to manage and control during fast rallies.
The blade provides a medium feel that strikes an effective balance between direct response and dwell time. This allows players to maintain good ball contact sensation while benefiting from the construction's inherent rigidity, offering both feedback and power in a single package.
Players report achieving good spin with a medium-high ball arc on drives and loops. The blade facilitates lifting the ball with rotation, making it effective for creating offensive opportunities with both speed and spin from various positions on the table.
Despite its stiffness, Goriki Super Drive maintains good dwell time that supports effective spin generation. The specific wood combination and construction allow the ball to stay on the blade surface long enough for players to impart significant rotation, particularly useful for looping techniques.
This is a stiff blade with low flexibility, characteristic of the Goriki 'Rigidity Series.' The construction prioritizes stability and direct power transfer over flex, making it particularly effective for driving shots and blocks where a solid, unwavering platform is advantageous.
The rigid construction provides a moderate level of vibration that gives clear feedback without being harsh or excessive. Players experience a direct ball response that communicates contact quality while maintaining a comfortable playing experience during extended sessions.
Crafted in Japan with premium materials like Kiso Hinoki and walnut, this blade represents excellent craftsmanship. The construction is solid and well-executed, resulting in a durable product with consistent performance. The playing surfaces are smooth and finished to a high standard, reflecting Nittaku's commitment to quality manufacturing.
Technology
Goriki Super Drive belongs to Nittaku's 'Rigidity Series' developed by equipment advisor Dr. Rokuro Sakuma. The technology centers on a specialized 6-ply all-wood construction combining walnut and Kiso Hinoki cypress in specific orientations to create a uniquely stiff playing characteristic. The oversized head design enhances stability and power transfer. Crafted entirely in Japan, this blade represents a focused approach to equipment design that prioritizes direct response and player skill expression through controlled rigidity.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Dr. Rokuro Sakuma
As Nittaku's equipment advisor and the developer of the Goriki series, Dr. Sakuma's design philosophy is central to this blade. While not a competitive professional player, his expertise has influenced equipment used by Japanese national team players, and this blade embodies his approach to creating specialized equipment that emphasizes rigidity and direct power transfer.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Goriki Danshi
Another member of the Goriki series also developed by Dr. Sakuma, the Danshi features a 7-ply all-walnut construction. While both blades are large and heavy, the Danshi offers a softer feel compared to the Super Drive's medium feel, with a different power character described as more traditionally 'masculine' in its approach.
Nittaku Barwell Fleet
Players report these two blades share nearly identical characteristics, both being well-crafted, expensive options with excellent feeling and control. The Goriki Super Drive is noted as being slightly stiffer than the Barwell Fleet, offering a more rigid response while maintaining similar playing qualities.