Weight
85g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
159x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
KVT
Nittaku KVT is a premium offensive blade that masterfully blends speed, control, and feel. Its 7-ply hybrid construction, featuring a 5-ply wood core reinforced by two layers of Kevlar, delivers a unique playing experience. This design provides a stiff, powerful foundation ideal for aggressive loops and drives, while the wood layers ensure excellent feedback and a satisfying connection with the ball. It's a responsive tool for players who want to dominate rallies with spin and power without sacrificing precision.
The Nittaku KVT features a 7-ply construction. It is built around a 5-ply wood core, which is augmented by two layers of Kevlar composite. The Kevlar is placed between wood layers to optimize its structural benefits—enhancing stiffness and power—without sacrificing the nuanced feedback and control characteristic of the wood plies.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku KVT is widely regarded as a very fast blade. Players consistently rate its speed highly, with some considering it among the fastest available. This exceptional pace is attributed to the hybrid construction, where the Kevlar layers create a stiff and powerful hitting surface that propels the ball with authority. It's designed for attackers who want to finish points quickly with powerful drives and counter-loops.
Despite its high speed, the KVT maintains a commendable and surprising level of control. Players report they can still place the ball accurately and execute controlled loops and drives with confidence. The Kevlar's effect adds stiffness without making the blade overly sensitive or difficult to handle, providing a stable platform for precise shot-making even during fast exchanges.
The feel of the Nittaku KVT is often described as stiff but not overly so, providing a good, direct connection to the ball. The handle design offers minimal vibration while still providing enough tactile feedback for control. It's a feel that suits players who prefer a more direct and responsive blade for a crisp impact sensation.
The blade's speed and stiffness generally contribute to a medium-high throw angle, especially when paired with modern rubbers. This characteristic aids in generating aggressive loops with a good, consistent arc over the net, making it effective for topspin-oriented attacks.
While the Kevlar layers contribute to stiffness and speed, the wood plies offer a decent amount of dwell time. This allows for good spin generation on loops and brush strokes. It provides a medium dwell, which is effective for spin play while still favoring a direct, powerful hitting style.
The Nittaku KVT leans towards the stiffer side due to its construction, with the Kevlar layers adding significant rigidity. It's not considered a flexible blade, which is advantageous for powerful, direct shots and blocks. However, it retains enough subtle flex for effective spin generation on loops.
Players report very low vibration with the Nittaku KVT. This is attributed to the Kevlar's dampening properties and the specific handle design, which contributes to a comfortable, stable playing experience. Feedback is clear and precise without any harshness or excessive buzzing on impact.
Nittaku is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the KVT exemplifies this standard. The blade features a smooth finish, precise construction, and excellent durability that reflects meticulous Japanese manufacturing. Players appreciate the consistent build and the premium feel in hand, making it a reliable piece of equipment for serious competitors.
Technology
Nittaku KVT utilizes a hybrid construction that integrates two layers of Kevlar composite within its 5-ply wood structure. This advanced manufacturing approach harnesses the benefits of both materials: the speed-enhancing stiffness and power from Kevlar, and the traditional feel, control, and spin-generating dwell time from select wood plies. The strategic placement of the Kevlar layers optimizes structural integrity and vibrational dampening. The result is a responsive blade that offers clear, direct feedback without excessive harshness, positioning the KVT as a high-performance tool for offensive players.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Peter Lee
Peter Lee, a sponsored player and top student of coach Cheng Yinghua, was reported to use the Nittaku KVT. The blade was recognized for its high-speed performance from its 5-ply wood and Kevlar construction. This endorsement highlights the blade's capability to meet the demands of elite, offensive-oriented players.
Similar Blades
Nittaku KVW
The Nittaku KVW is a closely related blade, sharing similar construction principles with the KVT. The KVT is often described as a faster version of the KVW, featuring a round handle and the same core concept of wood reinforced with Kevlar, offering players a higher speed ceiling within the same family.
Butterfly Viscaria
While constructed differently, the Butterfly Viscaria is a common point of comparison. Some players have switched to the Nittaku KVT, finding it offers superior performance in flat-hitting scenarios or provides a more direct and powerful offensive feel for their specific playing style.