Weight
91g
Thickness
5.7mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
160x151.5
Handles
FL
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Oversized
Balance
Head-Heavy
Ma Long Carbon 3
Nittaku Ma Long Carbon 3 is a premium 5+2 ply hybrid blade co-developed with the legendary Ma Long for aggressive offensive players. It integrates FE Kevlar carbon layers between wood plies to enhance speed and spin while maintaining control. The blade delivers a unique soft yet powerful feel, producing high-arc trajectories ideal for powerful drives and loops from mid-distance. Its oversized head contributes to favorable dwell time and a broad sweet spot, making it a top choice for experienced players looking to amplify their offensive game with a tool that balances modern composite power with classic feedback.
The 5+2 construction combines traditional wood plies with inner FE Kevlar carbon layers. This setup aims to deliver a classic woody feel and dwell time while benefiting from the increased speed and stiffness of the carbon composite, positioned closer to the core for controlled power delivery.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
The FE Kevlar carbon layers significantly boost the blade's speed, enabling powerful drives and smashes. Players report it operates in the mid-fast range with a soft feeling, where speed can be further enhanced by pairing it with thicker rubbers, making it a formidable tool for offensive play.
Despite its composite nature and speed, the Ma Long Carbon 3 offers excellent control, particularly with adhesive rubbers. Its construction allows for precise placement and nuanced shots, providing versatility for players who can harness its power effectively.
This blade delivers a unique feel described as soft yet bouncy and powerful. It provides good feedback without excessive vibration, though some players find the mix of soft and stiff characteristics can be initially surprising.
Designed to create high-arc trajectories, this blade is excellent for generating powerful topspin loops that dip sharply into the opponent's court, enhancing offensive play.
The oversized head and 5+2 ply construction contribute to a decent dwell time, allowing players to grip the ball for spin generation, especially with tacky rubbers, while balancing its inherent speed.
Combining wood and FE Kevlar carbon gives a moderate flexibility, striking a balance between stiffness for power and a bit of give for feel and spin, making it neither too rigid nor overly flexible.
The blade offers a direct response with minimal vibration, a common trait for composites placed near the core, resulting in a clean and focused feel on impact.
TTSensei experts note that while the Ma Long Carbon 3 is a high-quality product from Nittaku, some detailed reviews mention less refined construction aspects like unsanded wings and sharp edges. The materials and overall integrity are typically considered good, though the finish may not match the polish of other top-tier blades.
Technology
Nittaku Ma Long Carbon 3 uses a 5+2 ply construction with FE Kevlar carbon layers integrated within the blade's structure. This design enhances speed and spin while aiming to retain the feel and control of traditional wood blades. The carbon is positioned internally to optimize power and trajectory, promoting high-arc shots without sacrificing ball connection. Combined with Nittaku's Japanese manufacturing expertise, this technology provides advanced players with a tool for aggressive, spin-driven offensive play.
Pro Players Using This Blade
Ma Long
Ma Long, widely regarded as the greatest table tennis player of all time, co-developed this blade, aligning it with his powerful, all-around offensive style. The Nittaku Ma Long Carbon 3 suits his ability to dictate play with exceptional control, devastating speed, and precise spin generation from both close and mid-distances, making it a significant option within his equipment choices.
Similar Blades
Nittaku Ma Long Carbon
The original Nittaku Ma Long Carbon is a predecessor with a similar concept of combining wood and carbon fibers. Players who enjoyed its feel and performance might find the Carbon 3 a natural progression, offering updated technology and potentially refined characteristics for modern play, particularly in drives and loops.
DHS Hurricane King 3
DHS Hurricane King 3 is often noted for a similar construction to the original Nittaku Ma Long Carbon, featuring an outer carbon layer. Players seeking a comparable feel, speed, and spin profile, especially for powerful forehand drives and loops, might consider this as an alternative to the Ma Long Carbon 3.