Weight
88g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
158x152
Handles
FL / ST
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Latika 7
Nittaku Latika 7 is a classic 7-ply all-wood offensive blade that masterfully balances speed, control, and feel. Its construction delivers a stable, comfortable platform ideal for developing a strong looping game and a well-rounded offensive strategy. Players appreciate its significant spin generation and excellent ball control, making it a reliable choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking consistent performance and a traditional wooden blade experience.
Latika 7 features a traditional 7-ply all-wood construction. While specific wood types for each layer aren't publicly detailed, the multi-ply structure is designed to provide an optimal balance of speed, control, and feel. This layered approach contributes significantly to the blade's stability, dwell time, and classic playing characteristics.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Latika 7 is generally considered an OFF- blade, placing its speed on the higher side of all-round but not at the extreme offensive end. It offers moderate pace, sufficient for powerful looping and offensive play, though it may feel slower for direct flat hitting compared to carbon-composite blades designed for pure speed.
Control is the standout feature of the Latika 7, consistently rated very high. Players report excellent placement capabilities and remarkable stability, making it easy to manage shots and maintain consistency during intense rallies. This high level of control provides confidence for all offensive strokes.
Latika 7 delivers a soft and comfortable feel with noticeable vibration that enhances ball feedback. This tactile connection allows players to clearly discern the quality of their contact, aiding significantly in stroke development and precision play.
Latika 7 produces a medium-high throw angle, which is ideal for looping strokes. This trajectory helps the ball clear the net with a good arc and depth, making it easier to execute consistent attacking shots.
The 7-ply all-wood construction provides excellent dwell time, allowing the ball to sink into the blade for enhanced spin generation. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for looping strokes and spin-oriented play styles.
The blade offers medium flexibility, striking a good balance between being too stiff and too flexible. This flexibility contributes to its dwell time and ability to generate spin while still providing solid power transfer for offensive shots.
Players report a noticeable and pleasant level of vibration, which contributes positively to the blade's overall feel and feedback. This vibration helps players better connect with the ball and understand the quality of their shot execution.
Latika 7 is praised for its superb build quality and craftsmanship, a hallmark of Nittaku products. The blade features a fine finish and durable construction that contributes to its reliable performance and satisfying feel in hand, offering great value for its performance tier.
Technology
Nittaku Latika 7 exemplifies the brand's commitment to refined all-wood blade construction. Developed from the basis of the 'Kasumi Basic' with a slightly larger head size, it enhances stability for blocks and attacks. The design philosophy focuses on maximizing the natural properties of layered wood—dwell time, feedback, and consistency—rather than incorporating composite materials. This approach achieves a unique combination of power and control through meticulous wood selection and construction, delivering the superior playing feel for which Nittaku is renowned.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Adelie
Nittaku Latika 7 shares a very similar construction and wood combination with the Nittaku Adelie. The primary difference is that the Latika 7 is thinner. This results in a comparable playing feel and performance profile, making the Adelie an excellent alternative if seeking a blade with a slightly different thickness or if the Latika 7 is unavailable.