Weight
85g
Thickness
5.6mm
Plies
5-ply
Head Size
154x148
Handles
FL
Material
AllWood
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Leaves
Nittaku Leaves is a 5-ply all-wood blade built for versatile, controlled play. Its compact head and soft feel prioritize precision and ball-holding, offering excellent dwell time for effective spin generation on serves and during rallies. This blade is a strong recommendation for developing players focused on improving technique and for anyone who prefers a forgiving, softer touch that enhances control and strategic placement.
The blade features a straightforward 5-ply all-wood construction, which is characteristic of many all-round blades. This construction typically provides a soft feel and good dwell time, allowing for enhanced spin and control.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Nittaku Leaves offers moderate to mid-slow speed. It provides enough pace for effective all-round play but is not designed for extreme speed or aggressive attacking power. This speed is intentionally balanced with control, making the blade suitable for controlled drives and extended rallies where placement is key.
Control is a standout feature. Players can expect excellent precision, easy ball placement, and a forgiving response. This high level of control is crucial for developing players and those employing a strategic, placement-oriented game, making every shot feel deliberate and manageable.
The blade has a consistently soft feel. This contributes to its excellent ball-holding properties and delivers a comfortable, predictable response during strokes, allowing players to impart spin with greater ease and confidence.
The combination of soft wood and good dwell time results in a medium-high throw angle. This is beneficial for looping and generating topspin with a sufficient arc, making it easier to clear the net with spin-heavy shots.
The soft wood construction provides a longer dwell time, meaning the ball stays on the blade slightly longer. This characteristic enhances spin generation and allows for better control over the ball's trajectory and placement, which is ideal for spin-focused play.
Nittaku Leaves offers a balanced, medium level of flexibility. This contributes to its good dwell time and spin-friendly characteristics without being overly stiff or too whippy, allowing for a versatile range of controlled shots.
The soft feel and all-wood construction suggest a moderate level of vibration that provides good feedback without being harsh. This contributes to a comfortable playing experience where you can clearly feel the ball contact.
Nittaku Leaves is perceived as a quality blade, offering good feel and workmanship for its price point. It is approved by the Japan Table Tennis Association (JTTAA), indicating adherence to recognized standards. The all-wood construction provides a stable, reliable platform that enables a good feel and consistent play.
Technology
Nittaku Leaves features a classic 5-ply all-wood construction, a design favored for its ability to provide a soft touch, excellent ball feedback, and substantial dwell time. This construction method prioritizes natural wood properties to enhance feel and control. The blade is approved by the Japan Table Tennis Association (JTTAA), indicating it meets specific standards for playability and quality. Its compact head size is a deliberate design choice aimed at improving maneuverability and precision, particularly for players who value quick adjustments and intricate shot-making.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Latika
Nittaku Latika offers a similar feel to other premium Nittaku blades but with more offensive speed. While the Leaves focuses on control and a soft feel for developing players, the Latika could be a logical step up for players seeking more attacking power while still retaining a good, responsive touch and feel from the blade.
Nittaku Kasumi Basic
Nittaku Kasumi Basic is another all-wood, 5-ply blade classified for all-round play, sharing an emphasis on control and feel with the Leaves. While specific playing sensations may vary slightly in weight and thickness, it represents a comparable option for players looking for a blade with similar core characteristics within the Nittaku all-wood lineup.