Weight
85g
Thickness
5.5mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Latika Carbon
Nittaku Latika Carbon is a hybrid offensive blade that masterfully blends speed, control, and feel. Its 7-ply construction, featuring a 5-ply wood core reinforced with two outer FE Carbon layers, creates a thinner, stiffer profile for a direct and powerful response. This design delivers a significant offensive boost while maintaining exceptional performance in the short game and blocking. Praised for its outstanding balance and quality Japanese craftsmanship, the Latika Carbon provides a versatile and responsive platform for intermediate to advanced players seeking a dynamic, controlled attacking game.
The construction is a 7-ply sandwich: two outer wood layers, two FE Carbon fiber layers, and three inner wood plies (including the core). This 'outer carbon' placement creates a thin, stiff blade that enhances offensive power and provides a quick, direct response while the wood contributes to the overall feel.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Latika Carbon delivers a significant speed boost, providing powerful drives and fast loops that are highly effective for offensive play. It strikes an excellent balance, offering dynamic pace for an attacking game without sacrificing the control needed for consistent shot-making. Our testing shows it provides a clear step up in power from all-wood blades while remaining manageable.
Control is a standout feature of this blade. Its balanced construction and moderate stiffness translate to exceptional accuracy in ball placement. Players report outstanding performance in the short game and blocking, with good dwell time that aids spin generation. This high level of control makes aggressive play feel secure and calculated.
The feel is medium-hard, offering a crisp and direct connection to the ball. Many players find the carbon sensation is present but less pronounced than in some other carbon blades, which can provide a more familiar and controlled feedback, especially beneficial for those moving from all-wood setups.
This blade typically produces a medium-high throw angle, especially when paired with medium to hard rubbers. This characteristic facilitates powerful, arcing loops that are effective for aggressive attacking play from mid-distance.
Latika Carbon provides good dwell time, allowing players to brush the ball effectively for spin generation on loops and serves. Our testing shows it offers more dwell than some other popular carbon blades, contributing to its excellent control and spin potential.
The blade is relatively stiff due to the integration of FE Carbon layers. This stiffness promotes efficient power transfer for offensive shots and provides a crisp, direct feel, though it reduces overall flexibility compared to more pliable all-wood blades.
A moderate level of vibration is present, which communicates helpful feedback on shot execution. This subtle 'talk' enhances the player's sense of touch and control without being harsh or distracting during play.
Crafted in Japan, the Latika Carbon exemplifies Nittaku's renowned build quality. The finish is excellent, with a beautiful and elegant appearance. The construction feels solid and durable, living up to its pro-level billing. This is a blade built to last while performing at a high level.
Technology
Latika Carbon is engineered with a specific hybrid construction: a 5-ply wood core is augmented by two outer layers of FE Carbon. This design creates a thinner, stiffer profile optimized for the modern offensive game with the plastic ball. The carbon placement near the surface provides a direct, powerful response for drives and loops, while the wood core helps retain a familiar feel and control. The technology aims to deliver an offensive temperament with enhanced power and a responsive, yet manageable, playing character.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Violin Carbon Inner
The Violin Carbon Inner is often noted for its superior feel and spin generation, attributed to its ash kiri outer wood. However, TTSensei experts find the Latika Carbon offers significantly more speed and a different, potentially more comfortable handle feel, presenting a faster, more direct alternative at a slightly lower price point.
Butterfly Viscaria / Timo Boll ALC
For players who find blades like the Viscaria or Timo Boll ALC too fast or bouncy, the Latika Carbon serves as a more controllable alternative. It offers more dwell time and a less explosive feel, making aggressive play feel more secure and planted. It sacrifices a bit of ultimate speed for significantly enhanced control and a softer landing.