Weight
88g
Thickness
6.1mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
165x156
Handles
ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Balanced
Kim Kyung Ah
Nittaku Kim Kyung Ah is a 5-ply all-wood defensive blade crafted in collaboration with Korean legend Kim Kyung Ah. Engineered for choppers and modern defenders, it delivers exceptional control, stability, and a soft, sensitive feel. Its high dwell time allows for heavy spin generation on serves and chops, while providing enough versatility for controlled counter-attacks. This blade is a precision tool for players who prioritize consistency, placement, and spin-based tactics over raw speed.
The blade is constructed with five plies of wood. The design features three thicker middle plies for core stability, flanked by two thinner outer plies. This configuration promotes a soft feel and enhanced dwell time, creating the ideal foundation for controlled defensive strokes.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Kim Kyung Ah is designed for defensive play, resulting in a deliberately low speed rating. This makes it ideal for chopping and controlled counter-attacks rather than fast-paced offensive rallies. Players report it allows for precise timing and placement without the ball flying off the table, giving you full command of the rally's tempo.
Control is the defining strength of this blade. Its high rating reflects exceptional reliability for defensive maneuvers like chops and blocks, offering a secure and predictable feel on every return. This level of command gives players the confidence to execute intricate defensive tactics and precise ball placement consistently.
The blade offers a distinctly soft, almost plush feel upon contact, often accompanied by a resonant 'doink' sound. This sensation provides clear feedback and enhances dwell time, making it easier to brush the ball for heavy spin, especially on chops and serves.
Flexibility and dwell time contribute to a medium-high throw angle. This creates a good arc on the ball, which is useful for clearing the net on defensive chops and for adding safety and spin to controlled offensive loops.
Dwell time is significantly high, a core feature for defensive play. This extended contact allows players to impart heavy spin on chops and serves, and creates a secure, catching sensation during blocks and controlled returns.
Kim Kyung Ah is notably flexible, which directly enhances its dwell time and soft feel. This flex allows the blade to pocket the ball, aiding in spin generation and providing a forgiving, controlled impact that is advantageous for chopping and looping against backspin.
Vibration is medium to high, contributing to a distinct tactile feedback and sound on impact. While pronounced, this vibration helps players feel the ball's contact deeply, aiding in precise adjustments for defensive shots and touch play.
Crafted in Japan with a focused defensive construction, Kim Kyung Ah is regarded as a high-quality, reliable product. The build emphasizes stability and a consistent feel that defensive players trust. Its specialized design and execution contribute to its strong reputation for durability and performance.
Technology
Kim Kyung Ah utilizes a specialized 5-ply all-wood construction with thicker central plies and thinner outer plies. This traditional layup is engineered to maximize stability, control, and a soft feel—key attributes for defensive play. The design prioritizes sensitivity and dwell time, allowing players to feel the ball's impact for precise adjustments during chops and blocks. It's a blade built for reliability and consistency, enabling intricate defensive tactics and heavy spin-oriented play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Kim Kyung Ah
This blade was personally designed for and used by the legendary Korean defender Kim Kyung Ah. It is tailored to complement her world-class chopping and blocking style, enabling her to return powerful shots with heavy spin and maintain precise control from far behind the table. Her Olympic and ITTF Pro Tour success is a testament to the blade's defensive capabilities.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Hadraw Shield
Hadraw Shield is another thin 5-ply defensive blade from Nittaku that shares a high-control, chopper-friendly philosophy. It offers similar defensive capabilities with good spin, making it a reliable alternative for players who appreciate the controlled, stable feel of the Kim Kyung Ah.
Nittaku Koji Matsushita
Koji Matsushita is often recommended for defensive play and praised for its control. While its feel and speed profile may differ slightly, it serves as a viable alternative for players seeking the consistent defensive returns and spin facilitation that define the Kim Kyung Ah blade.