Weight
78g
Thickness
5.8mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x148
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Latika Light
Nittaku Latika Light is a 5-ply all-wood blade crafted for players who value control with offensive potential. Its smaller, lighter build makes it an excellent fit for juniors, women, or anyone with a more compact grip. You'll experience a stable, connected feel that supports precise ball placement and consistent stroke execution. While it prioritizes touch and forgiveness, it delivers enough speed for a well-rounded attacking game, making it a versatile tool for skill development. The comfortable weight and size enhance maneuverability for a pleasant playing session.
The blade features a standard 5-ply all-wood construction, which is known for providing a good balance of speed, control, and feel. This composition typically results in a medium-hard feel with good dwell time, allowing players to impart spin and maintain control during rallies.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Latika Light operates as a medium-speed offensive blade. Its all-wood construction and lighter weight temper the pace, placing it in a more controllable category than composite blades. It generates sufficient speed for an all-round attacking style but truly excels in controlled offensive plays and precise counter-attacks where placement matters most.
Control is where this blade shines. The softer feel, excellent dwell time, and manageable speed work together to enable precise shot placement. This makes it very forgiving and easy to use, particularly beneficial for players who are still refining their technique and consistency.
Latika Light offers a medium-soft feel characterized by good dwell time and a palpable, secure connection with the ball. This tactile feedback is beneficial for developing spin and executing precise shots, providing a great sense of stability and touch.
The combination of wood plies and a slightly softer feel typically produces a medium to medium-high throw angle. This creates a good arc on shots, which helps in clearing the net and developing spin-heavy loops.
The 5-ply all-wood construction and softer feel contribute to an extended dwell time. This allows the ball to sink into the blade, giving players more time to control their shots and generate significant spin, especially during topspin exchanges.
Latika Light offers a medium level of flexibility. This slight flex aids in ball control and spin generation, while still providing enough underlying stiffness for effective offensive strokes. It strikes a good balance, avoiding extremes of being too stiff or too whippy.
With its all-wood build and medium-soft feel, the blade exhibits moderate vibration. It provides clear feedback to feel ball contact without transmitting excessive or harsh vibrations to the hand, contributing to overall playing comfort.
Latika Light is recognized for its high-quality construction, a hallmark of Japanese manufacturing. The attention to detail in its finish and material selection ensures durability and consistent performance, contributing to its reputation as a reliable and well-made blade.
Technology
Nittaku Latika Light is crafted using a traditional 5-ply all-wood construction. This method leverages the natural properties of selected wood veneers to achieve a harmonious balance of speed, control, and feel. Nittaku's Japanese manufacturing is known for meticulous material selection and precise assembly. The 'Light' designation signifies a focus on reduced weight and a more compact head size compared to the standard Latika, a design choice aimed at enhancing maneuverability and user-friendliness, particularly for younger or developing players.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Acoustic
While at a much lower price point, Latika Light provides a similar sensation of control and offensive capability as the Nittaku Acoustic. Both blades are appreciated for allowing players to command the ball while still being able to attack effectively, suggesting a shared characteristic in their feel for controlled offensive play.
Yasaka Sweden Extra
The Yasaka Sweden Extra is another popular 5-ply all-wood blade often recommended for all-round play and developing players. Many players find it shares similar foundational characteristics with the Latika Light in terms of providing a good feel and a high level of control for skill development.